ABSTRACT:
The current novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has transformed social work tertiary education
delivery across the world. In this case, the university’s response was to
initiate a hasty transition from a 'blended' program, comprised of both the use
of technology and face to face components, into an entirely online learning
model. This scenario suggested a need for academics to be open to creative ways
of building and maintaining relationships with students to facilitate positive
learning outcomes and student wellbeing. This article uses reflexivity to
examine two vignettes that present our responses to students’ collective and
individual issues experienced during the COVID-19 isolation period in Australia.
A reflexive lens illuminated the role of practical, emotional, and relational
work in social work education in a virtual context. Specifically, this article offers
important insights for academics concerning ways social work students and
academics may work together to create a sense of hopefulness during uncertain
times.