Digital technology is on the rise in social work education. Distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digitisation process, and students are now encountering digital technology in many ways. At the same time, the social work profession is skill based, conducting exercises with role play, and case studies and clinical placement have long been regarded as the ways in which students can prepare for their professional role. In today’s digitalised society, teaching methods where computer-based simulations are used for skills training are gaining ground. This article aims to gain an overview of these teaching methods based on the following questions: a) What different types of computer-based simulations are used for the skills training of social work students? b) What skills do the computer-based simulations intend to teach? and c) How do social work students perceive skills training with computer-based simulations?

A scoping review was completed with searches in several databases (APA PsycInfo, Eric, Scopus, Sociological Abstracts and SwePub) comprising international publications focusing on social work, higher education and computer-based simulations. Based on the inclusion criteria, 13 articles were included. The results show that there are several different types of computer-based simulations where virtual clients and virtual worlds are the most used. The vocational training that appeared to be most common was to practice conversational methods and make assessments together with reflection and self-awareness. The students were predominantly positive towards vocational training with computer-based simulations due to increased engagement and the opportunity for repetition in a safe and authentic environment. One challenge, however, is to sufficiently train students and teachers in the software used to ensure the teaching method is useful. Thus, there are lessons to be learnt from international studies of computer-based simulations as it is becoming increasingly common in social work education in Sweden.