Microcomputers and Field Instruction

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Abstract
The microcomputer revolution presents educators with a new set of curricular challenges. This paper describes how one graduate school of social work has successfully incorporated microcomputing into its foundation curriculum. Through their yearlong work with a custom program, over 400 students have been introduced to database management at the direct service level. So far the project has been unilaterally successful for reasons that have more to do with educational philosophy than with computer technology. The key factors identified include integrating the project into existing curricular offerings, making the assignment part of a required, first-year course, and using a computer application designed specifically for novice social work users.