Showing papers in "Journal of Technology in Human Services in 2000"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that in addition to the substantial benefits they provide for members, on-line support groups create the potential for harm, and they use Qualitative Discourse Analysis (QSA) methods to analyze online support groups.
Abstract: This paper argues that in addition to the substantial benefits they provide for members, on-line support groups create the potential for harm. Qualitative discourse analysis methods are used to exa...
53 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors look at the legal risks associated with the use of the Internet for counseling and information services and recommend methods to abate the risks that might occur when Internet counseling and service is provided.
Abstract: SUMMARY Use of the Internet for counseling and information services has increased dramatically in the last five years. Although the Internet may benefit consumers by helping them secure needed services and resources, social workers and social service agencies who provide counseling over the Internet need to be aware of the legal risks associated with its use. Among the most salient concerns that need to be addressed are client confidentiality and privacy of records, appropriateness of treatment services, and the duty to warn others of harm that a client might pose to them. This paper looks at these legal concerns in light of appropriate Social Work practice and recommends methods to abate the risks that might occur when Internet counseling and service is provided.
35 citations
TL;DR: The Virtual Volunteering Project [http://www.serviceleader.org/vv/] has researched and worked with more than 100 organizations involving online volunteers to document the benefits of online service for agencies, volunteers and audiences served, and to disseminate ways agencies can incorporate virtual volunteering into their organizations as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: SUMMARY A growing number of agencies involve volunteers via home or work computers and the Internet. The Virtual Volunteering Project [http://www.serviceleader.org/vv/] has researched and worked with more than 100 organizations involving online volunteers to document the benefits of online service for agencies, volunteers and audiences served, and to disseminate ways agencies can incorporate virtual volunteering into their organizations. This paper describes the Virtual Volunteering Project and summarizes data from a variety of sources that highlight the activities of agencies and volunteers engaged in virtual volunteering and the factors associated with success in virtual volunteering programs.
33 citations
TL;DR: The authors used examples from a short-term, listserv-based support group that helps social workers cope with job stress to discuss issues related to the use of online support groups, and found that such groups can be useful for individuals, families and groups.
Abstract: SUMMARY Human service professionals have begun to explore the Internet's potential as a therapeutic medium for individuals, families and groups, but we still know very little about the ways that Internet-mediated communication affects interventions. This paper uses examples from a recent study of a short-term, listserv-based support group that helps social workers cope with job stress to discuss issues related to the use of online support groups.
30 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of an enhanced version of STARBRIGHT World (SBW2)-a private computer network for hospitalized children was assessed with a series of 44 replicated single system designs.
Abstract: SUMMARY The objective of this study was to test the impact of an enhanced version of STARBRIGHT World (SBW2)-a private computer network for hospitalized children. The impact of SBW2 was assessed with a series of 44 replicated single system designs. Utilizing an ecological momentary assessment approach, self-reports were obtained regarding children's perceptions of their pain intensity, pain aversive-ness and anxiety. The results from the single system designs were aggregated using meta-analysis. Children experienced significantly less pain intensity, pain aversiveness, and anxiety in the SBW2 condition. These findings provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of SBW2 and demonstrate the utility of employing meta-analysis with single system designs.
21 citations
TL;DR: The results of an exploratory study of one hundred sixty-six domestic violence organizations that use the World Wide Web are presented in this paper, where the issues discussed include web-based sources of client victimization, agency legal liability, agency vulnerability to online disruption, the need to create access for low-income clients, and evaluation of web services.
Abstract: SUMMARY This paper presents the results of an exploratory study of one hundred sixty-six domestic violence organizations that use the World Wide Web. Domestic violence agencies primarily used the Web to promote agency visibility and provide community education, and to a lesser extent for advocacy, direct services, and securing resources. Agency satisfaction with their Website is generally high, although more than one-third of agencies reported problems. Related issues discussed include Web-based sources of client victimization, agency legal liability, agency vulnerability to online disruption, the need to create access for low-income clients, and evaluation of Web services.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the use of WebQuests, a computer-facilitated instructional strategy for social work education, and present examples of the application and integration of WebQuest activities in an undergraduate social work curriculum.
Abstract: SUMMARY This article describes the use of WebQuests, a computer-facilitated instructional strategy for social work education. Pedagogical constructs relevant to the use of WebQuests as a computer-facilitated instructional strategy are identified and discussed. Examples of the application and integration of WebQuest activities in an undergraduate social work curriculum are presented.
17 citations
TL;DR: The use of Web-base instruction and the “Virtual Classroom” as a pedagogical strategy may be a viable added dimension to the learning process for human services practice courses with the potential to improve learning efficacy.
Abstract: SUMMARY With the challenge for human services faculty to better integrate classroom materials to the realities of today's practice and the advent of several new communication technologies and technology-mediated instructional software, the use of Web-base instruction and the “Virtual Classroom” as a pedagogical strategy may be a viable added dimension to the learning process for human services practice courses with the potential to improve learning efficacy. Possible teaching strategies are discussed as well as implications for research.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a literature review of social work programs' distance education evaluation studies with an emphasis on the strengths distance education programs offer to students relative to standard programs is presented, with a panel of distance learners who will discuss their experiences.
Abstract: SUMMARY This paper presents a literature review of social work programs' distance education evaluation studies with an emphasis on the strengths distance education programs offer to students relative to standard programs. The authors discuss quality issues in relation to teaching and learning in distance education programs with a panel of distance learners who will discuss their experiences.
14 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in predicting rehospitalization of severely mentally ill outpatients. And they found that eight Bayesian ANN models achieved correct prediction rates ranging from 75% to 93% for two prediction conditions.
Abstract: SUMMARY Social workers and other mental health workers lack clinical decision support tools to predict which clients are at greatest risk of psychiatric rehospitalization. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), are computer decision support tools that make prediction and classification decisions based on accumulated experience and information contained in successfully solved cases (correct decisions). This study evaluates the use of ANNs in predicting rehospitalization of severely mentally ill outpatients. Eight Bayesian ANN models achieved correct prediction rates ranging from 75% to 93% for two prediction conditions. These results support the utility of Bayesian ANN models in the development of clinical decision support tools.
14 citations
TL;DR: This report describes an Internet-based support system for community work known as the Community Tool Box (CTB), and examines the idea and origins of the CTB and its core content, access features, and applications.
Abstract: SUMMARY Despite limited preparation through formal and non-formal education, local people throughout the world are engaged in the common work of building healthier communities. Some core competencies-including community assessment, planning, mobilization, and evaluation-are needed to address the variety of issues that matter to local communities. This report describes an Internet-based support system for community work known as the Community Tool Box (CTB) [http://ctb.lsi.ukans.edu/]. We examine the idea and origins of the CTB and its core content, access features, and applications. We review evidence for its use, implementation and dissemination strategies, and discuss core values that guide this internet-based work.
TL;DR: The use of a web-based conferencing program to augment classroom learning in generalist social work practice courses in a BSW program is described, greatly expanding opportunities for teaching, learning, and communication.
Abstract: SUMMARY This author describes the use of a web-based conferencing program to augment classroom learning in generalist social work practice courses in a BSW program. This “virtual classroom” allows students to have more or less continual access to the instructor and to each other, greatly expanding opportunities for teaching, learning, and communication.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined emerging possibilities for use of the Internet in human service fundraising and provided examples of cases where use of Internet may prove to be an effective method for human services fundraising, and also examined cases where using the Internet may not be a good match for the organizational context, whether in terms of ethics or dollars raised.
Abstract: SUMMARY This paper examines emerging possibilities for use of the Internet in human service fundraising. Human service managers must compete for limited funds with their counterparts in educational, religious, health, and other nonprofit organizations. There is enormous potential for raising funds over the Internet; yet, this approach to resource development may not be appropriate or effective in some instances for certain human service agencies. The selection of fundraising approach must be consistent with the organizational context in which it is used. This paper provides examples of cases where use of the Internet may prove to be an effective method for human service fundraising. It also examines cases where use of the Internet may not be a good match for the organizational context, whether in terms of ethics or dollars raised.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the computer utilization patterns of 107 community-based AIDS organizations in Canada and found that consumers are challenged by a lack of access to computers, limited awareness of computer mediated technologies, and other inhibiting factors.
Abstract: SUMMARY This study explores the computer utilization patterns of 107 community-based AIDS organizations in Canada. A questionnaire examined the current hardware/software capacities of agencies, knowledge and use of the Internet and its capabilities as a tool for psychosocial support, and barriers to computerized service provision. It also explored consumers' utilization and knowledge of computer-mediated technologies, and barriers to service. Results suggest agencies have resource-related dilemmas, relating to limited finances, time and personnel capacities. Consumers are challenged by a lack of access to computers, limited awareness of computer-mediated technologies, and other inhibiting factors. Future directions for community-based AIDS organizations are considered.
TL;DR: In this article, case-based reasoning is used as a way to interpret experience-based insights in the child welfare field and validate the experiential insights collected using a computerized training simulator.
Abstract: SUMMARY Research on expertise suggests that several years of extensive practice should lead to the development of good insights into effective practice. This paper describes this research and what it suggests about ways to capture and utilize such expertise in a computerized training simulator. Case-based reasoning is looked at as a way to interpret this research and its utilization. The paper also summarizes a project that is collecting such experience-based insights in the child welfare field. Particular attention is directed at ways to validate the experiential insights collected.
TL;DR: In this paper, an Internet-based orientation course for social work education is presented. But the course is not designed for the general public and it is not applicable to other educational and human service settings.
Abstract: SUMMARY Students admitted to graduate social work programs possess varying levels of understanding of prerequisite curriculum content. Compounding this situation is that social work educators teaching at the foundation level are now required to provide an expanded array of curriculum content in their courses. This article conceptualizes an Internet-Based orientation course as a unique tool for preparing students with prerequisite curriculum content necessary for successful integration and mastery of a graduate curriculum. Several steps are presented in the design and development of the course: obtaining support and approval, identifying and collecting data, designing and developing course components, and implementing and evaluating the course. Although course development occurs within a social work education setting, findings from this Internet-Based orientation course are applicable to other educational and human service settings.
TL;DR: In North Carolina, the Internet is used to share information, plan training events, provide training, and exchange materials among training coordinators located around the state.
Abstract: A new approach to services for children with serious emotional disturbance and their families calls for the development of systems of care. Family members participate in all aspects of service delivery, including designing, developing, and delivering services. Training and technical assistance are essential, as service providers need new skills in working with children, family members, service providers, and others in the community; and a new understanding of integrated, community-based services. Technology offers new possibilities for delivering such training. In North Carolina, the Internet is used to share information, plan training events, provide training, and exchange materials among training coordinators located around the state. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved)
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore and discuss the complex reasons contributing to these ethical dilemmas, and present a human service oriented framework, INTERNET, for analyzing and resolving these issues.
Abstract: SUMMARY The Internet and related electronic communication technologies are used by human service professionals for many functions ranging from the storage and transmission of sensitive medical information to online counseling. Yet, there are many aspects of telecommunications law that work against privacy and thus the potential for ethical dilemmas has increased. This paper explores and discusses the complex reasons contributing to these ethical dilemmas. The article also presents a human service oriented framework, INTERNET, for analyzing and resolving these dilemmas.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe how site tension can be reframed as site identity and utilized to promote goals of teaching about social justice and diversity at distance sites, where additional sources of site tension sometimes occur between cohorts at different sites and within the originating site cohort.
Abstract: SUMMARY Tension between instructors and students at distance sites has been called site bias. Additional sources of site tension sometimes occurs between cohorts at different sites and within the originating site cohort. This paper describes how site tension can be reframed as site identity and utilized to promote goals of teaching about social justice and diversity.
IBM1
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a wide range of technological, business process reengineering, and organizational change projects, including using technology to connect social workers to enable collaborative case management, building databases with sophisticated querying applications that allow quick, effective decision making at the front-line and management levels, and expanding the number of ways clients can access services through the use of the Internet, kiosks, electronic benefit transfers.
Abstract: SUMMARY Social service agencies across the country are investing in a wide range of technological, business process reengineering, and organizational change projects. These projects include: • • using technology to connect social workers to enable collaborative case management; • • building databases with sophisticated querying applications that allow quick, effective decision making at the front-line and management levels; and • • expanding the number of ways clients can access services through the use of the Internet, kiosks, electronic benefit transfers, etc. Successful projects have a clearly identified business need and a strategy for addressing that need. This strategy includes understanding the process, organizational and technological context, evaluating alternative means of meeting the need, and developing a solid program management plan.
TL;DR: The paper describes the organizational processes that were essential for the successful design and implementation of the HIV Cybermall and outlines system hardware, software, security specifications and evaluation process.
Abstract: SUMMARY The HIV Cybermall is a computer network and transportation system designed to link case managers at 18 partner agencies. The purpose of the project is to enhance and evaluate HIV-related medical, dental, drug treatment and psychosocial service delivery to people living with HIV in northern Los Angeles County. Participating agencies decided that the most important aspects of any linkage computer system were user-accessibility, cost-feasibility, and security of information. The investigators then designed a password-controlled wide-area network with a shared intake template and layered access to information. This network was combined with training sensitive to the particular needs of the agency worker, technical support, shared governance, and an integrated transportation system. The project intranet has two elements: (1) a closed, private network for confidential communication and information exchange, and (2) access to the public Internet. A key element in the project was the need to work closely ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify issues involving adoption of one type of communication tool, computer-mediated communications (CMC), based on a review of relevant literature and a recent exploratory research study of CMC adoption by community coalitions.
Abstract: SUMMARY Community coalition participants are adopting new communication tools. This article identifies issues involving adoption of one type of communication tool, computer-mediated communications (CMC), based on a review of relevant literature and a recent exploratory research study of CMC adoption by community coalitions. Suggestions for aiding adoption and anticipating problems are presented and some social justice and professional value issues are highlighted. Human service professionals whose work involves community coalitions may find the theoretical background and practical advice useful in anticipating and responding to CMC changes in coalitions.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the findings of a formative evaluation of a pilot ITV workshop on "Attracting and Sustaining Community Volunteers", in terms of its technical aspects, acceptability to participants, learning impacts, and accessibility.
Abstract: SUMMARY Interactive television has potential merit as a medium for reaching rural audiences. The Blandin Foundation has recently explored the use of ITV for its workshops for leadership training in rural Minnesota communities. This paper presents the findings of a formative evaluation of a pilot ITV workshop on “Attracting and Sustaining Community Volunteers,” in terms of its technical aspects, acceptability to participants, learning impacts, and accessibility. Criteria for selecting distance learning modalities and ITV networks and providers are suggested.
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of social workers in broadcast television and the mechanics of TV production for novice social workers/producers are discussed. But the authors do not discuss the benefits of employing social workers for practice and education.
Abstract: SUMMARY In the enthusiasm for faster and more efficient technology for practice and education, social workers should not deny the obvious. Television has been, and will continue to be, the most influential tool of communication in American society. This article examines the role of social workers in broadcast television and describes the mechanics of TV production for novice social worker/producers.
TL;DR: In this article, the typical user profile of visitors to the Social Work Access Network (SWAN) website is described, along with user preferences for additional content and interactive opportunities as well as user satisfaction with the current site.
Abstract: SUMMARY This study details the typical user profile of visitors to the Social Work Access Network (SWAN) website. The online survey methodology is discussed along with data that benchmarks expected response rates for this method. User preferences for additional content and interactive opportunities as well as user satisfaction with the current site are described. It is concluded that the social work professionals must seek new ways to define, organize and implement a portal on the World Wide Web by building partnerships among sites offering social work content. In support of this, SWAN must evolve to provide a platform for discussion among the social work community through online gatherings using chat and bulletin board technologies.
TL;DR: Practice applications of videoconferencing technologies in two settings in Korea and the United States, where an interactive video breast cancer support group links women in three distant communities monthly are described.
Abstract: SUMMARY This paper describes practice applications of videoconferencing technologies in two settings. In Korea, people who live in areas which lack social welfare expertise receive services such as education, counseling, diagnostic assessment, and therapy through a system linking the central site with three service agencies in three different cities. In the United States, an interactive video breast cancer support group links women in three distant communities monthly. Evaluative feedback concerning these applications from professional and lay users will be reviewed in detail. Implications for the use of videoconferencing in social work practice will be discussed.