Usage of ICT among Social Educators—An Analysis of Current Practice in Spain

The objective of this study is to identify the usage of ICT tools among social educators within their professional activity. Technology among social educators is currently a very up-to-date topic. This is a professional group with its own characteristics that are different from those of teachers or other professionals in formal education. A mixed sequential two-phase method was proposed for the study: both quantitative and qualitative. In the first phase, the EdSocEval_V2 questionnaire was applied to a sample of 504 social educators from 17 autonomous communities. In the second phase, four focus groups were formed. The results presented reduced and basic usage of ICT: in management and administrative tasks and for communication with conventional tools. The COVID-19 pandemic has likewise increased the need for the use of ICT in socio-educational interventions, although their use for intervention among these groups is still very scarce. Training in and raising awareness of ICT among professionals for social interventions are priorities, as is the construction of a referential framework for professional training. © 2023 by the authors.

Perception of the Impact of Covid-19 on Social Education Professionals Working with Minors

Covid-19 has had an impact worldwide and the education sector has not been spared. Social and educational action in Spain has as its reference the professionals of social education who develop their professional activity in different areas and the sector of childhood and youth is one of the predominant ones. With this article, we aim to understand the perception of the impact that the has had on social education professionals working with children. The methodological approach is mixed, using a questionnaire created ad hoc, self-administered through the Internet. The sample is nationwide (Spain), 462 professionals. The results reflect how the work activity has been declared essential and has not involved contractual modifications, although there have been labor changes in the development of the work. Likewise, the workload is increased and the possibility of meeting the objectives set is not too high. We also address issues relating to job satisfaction and the digital tools and skills of the minors with whom these professionals work. We compared the data with previous results and concluded the necessary provision of more personal and material resources for professionals and services and the need to provide digital tools and competences among minors.