Showing papers in "Journal of Technology in Human Services in 2003"
TL;DR: This paper found that 75% of the students reported benefits related to learning cultural competency, just over 60% experienced positive impacts on relationships with classmates, and 54% believed anonymity improved honesty during forum dialogues.
Abstract: Two Web-based forums for discussing diversity issues were evaluated as part of graduate social work education. Data included surveys from 91 students as well as aggregate Web use information. Outcomes included perceived learning benefits related to cultural competency, improved relationships and benefits of anonymous vs. identified participation in the forums. We found that (1) 75% of the students reported benefits related to learning cultural competency; (2) just over 60% experienced positive impacts on relationships with classmates; (3) 54% believed anonymity improved honesty during forum dialogues; however, students who participated in the author-identified forums perceived significantly more perceived learning benefits related to cultural competency than those who participated in the anonymous forums; and (4) over one-third of students improved their perceived technological competence as a result of participating in the forums. We conclude that online forums can serve as a useful adjunct to a...
35 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual paper examines several intersections between technology and the problem of stalking and draws on the author's experiences as a researcher and social work practitioner specializing in stalking intervention.
Abstract: This conceptual paper examines several intersections between technology and the problem of stalking. In addition to reviewing and analyzing relevant research and policies, the paper draws on the author's experiences as a researcher and social work practitioner specializing in stalking intervention. Its primary focus is on the “double-edged sword” aspects of this problem, where technology is recognized as a useful tool for both stalkers and those trying to stop the stalking.
33 citations
TL;DR: Online mentoring as mentioned in this paper is one of the most popular forms of online volunteering, and new programs are launched regularly, usually involving adult mentors and youth proteAgeAs, creating a supportive, caring, online friendship between an adult volunteer and a proteAgeA.
Abstract: SUMMARY Online mentoring–creating a supportive, caring, online friendship between an adult volunteer and a proteAgeA–is one of the most popular forms of online volunteering, and new programs are launched regularly, usually involving adult mentors and youth proteAgeAs. From December 1996 through February 2001, the Virtual Volunteering Project sought to create an index and summary of all known online mentoring programs, to research existing programs' effective practices and program results, to research how effective practices for traditional, face-to-face mentoring could be applied to online programs, and to share these practices and other information relating to online mentoring via the project's Web site. This article summarizes the findings and provides a listing and description of all known online mentoring programs.
26 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the types and extent of social support messages exchanged by children and adolescents who participated in a computer-based support group using qualitative content analysis, the electronic mail posted in a 3-month period on a support listserv for young siblings of children with chronic health needs were observed and described.
Abstract: This study documents the types and extent of social support messages exchanged by children and adolescents who participated in a computer-based support group Using qualitative content analysis, the electronic mail posted in a 3-month period on a support listserv for young siblings of children with chronic health needs were observed and described The content of the postings sent to Sibkids was analyzed to identify themes in how the young people used the listserv for support Examples of social support types identified on the site are described The largest percentage of these messages offered social companionship and emotional or informational support Tangible assistance was not offered The implications of this study for social support researchers and human service professionals are discussed
26 citations
TL;DR: Current developments in applying computer simulation and virtual reality to the prevention and treatment of mental health problems are discussed.
Abstract: SUMMARY Computer-simulation and virtual reality (VR) are two sophisticated computer applications that have great potential to enhance school social work practice. Computer simulation and VR technologies have been harnessed for entertainment and business purposes, but their power for teaching pro-social skills to children and adolescents has not been adequately utilized. This article discusses current developments in applying computer simulation and virtual reality to the prevention and treatment of mental health problems. A number of computer simulation and VR programs are reviewed, barriers to implementation are discussed, and recommendations for school social work practice are proposed.
23 citations
TL;DR: Computer-assisted screening and intervention for hazardous and harmful alcohol use was tested in primary care settings and may be a realistic provider-extender when traditional screening is absent or inconsistently implemented.
Abstract: The effectiveness of a bilingual (English/Spanish) computer-assisted alcohol screening/intervention for hazardous and harmful alcohol use, the Health Habits Survey (HHS) was tested in primary care settings. Assessment-only patients were compared with patients exposed to the HHS. Of the 2053 recruited, 151 (7.4%) screened positive on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and were re-contacted six months later for follow-up. Significant alcohol reduction was observed in both conditions. No between-group differences were observed. Computer-assisted screening and intervention are feasible in primary care settings and may be a realistic provider-extender when traditional screening is absent or inconsistently implemented.
23 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors review issues of theory, research, policy and practice related specifically to the provision of "therap-pc" or therapeutic social services via the Internet.
Abstract: Many questions being posed in the fields of social science, psychology, and counseling with regard to provision of mental health services online have led to theoretical discussions of pros and cons of this new method of practice. The most prevalent clinically oriented questions about online intervention include: Can online services be considered therapy or even therapeutic? Can warmth, empathy and therapeutic alliance be effectively conveyed online? Is online communication and relational development different than face-to-face? This article will review issues of theory, research, policy and practice related specifically to the provision of “therap-pc” or therapeutic social services via the Internet.
19 citations
TL;DR: The School Success Profile Online (SSP) as discussed by the authors is a self-report survey for middle and high school students to assess students' perceptions of their neighborhoods, schools, peers, and families, as well as their own psychological and physical health and school performance.
Abstract: SUMMARY This article provides an overview of the purposes, development, and implementation of the School Success Profile Online (SSP)–a computerized, self-report survey for middle and high school students. The SSP takes advantage of World Wide Web technology and the increasing access of public schools to computers and the Internet to assess students' perceptions of their neighborhoods, schools, peers, and families, as well as their own psychological and physical health and school performance. The individual and group profiles generated by the SSP can help school social workers identify areas of concern, plan their interventions with students, and evaluate the impact of their efforts at the end of interventions.
16 citations
TL;DR: Significant barriers to Website access for social service consumers are found and design issues that will make Website access easier such as disability standards, policy suggestions and best practices are discussed.
Abstract: One hundred social service agency Websites were examined to find out how easily consumers could access posted information on them. Each Website was analyzed for multiple language availability, reading simplicity, reading comprehension, and disability access. This study found substantial barriers to Website access for social service consumers. The overwhelming majority of agency Websites failed one or more accessibility measures. Design issues that will make Website access easier such as disability standards, policy suggestions and best practices are discussed.
15 citations
TL;DR: Two educational tutorial programs are described, one interactive program is designed to teach students how to apply crisis concepts to a practice simulation, and the second program is designs how to assess lethality with a suicidal client.
Abstract: This paper briefly describes two educational tutorial programs, and the efforts of this author to evaluate the effectiveness of these computer mediated programs. One interactive program is designed to teach students how to apply crisis concepts to a practice simulation, and the second program is designed to teach students how to assess lethality with a suicidal client. Formal evaluations by students of these two programs and student performance on a follow-up quiz have produced positive results. A comparison study of classes who completed these programs and a class that did not have the training has also produced significant, favorable results.
14 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe how threaded discussion, a simple and easily accessible WebCT tool, was incorporated into four different social work courses and found to enhance learning, overcome computer resistance among students, increase the likelihood that students come to class prepared, and thereby free up class time for interactive, dynamic activities.
Abstract: Technology must support pedagogy, rather than serve as an end in itself. Based on adult learning literature, the article details how threaded discussion, a simple and easily accessible WebCT tool, was incorporated into four different social work courses. Its effectiveness clearly depended upon the degree to which it was integrated into an overall pedagogical approach, rather than used as a technology add-on. When appropriately integrated, its use in small group work was found to enhance learning, overcome computer resistance among students, increase the likelihood that students come to class prepared, and thereby free up class time for interactive, dynamic activities.
TL;DR: In a comparison of highly social Internet users versus low-social users, it is found that high- social users spent more time on-line and reported more physical and mental health problems, but the groups did not differ in amount of or satisfaction with social support they received.
Abstract: There is some disagreement as to whether the Internet has a positive or negative impact on social connection and well-being for older adults. Using an online survey, we assessed self-reported social support, health, and Internet use patterns among users over fifty years of age. In a comparison of highly social Internet users versus low-social users, we found that high-social users spent more time on-line and reported more physical and mental health problems. However, the groups did not differ in amount of or satisfaction with social support they received. Implications of these results are discussed.
TL;DR: Results indicate that no significant differences were found between on-campus and DE students which supports the findings of the first cohort, despite a reduction in faculty visits to off-campus locations, a greater use of ITV instruction, and an increased reliance on the use of local site coordinators as assistant instructors in the classroom.
Abstract: This study compares 52 on-campus and 26 distance education (DE) MSW students enrolled in two practice methods courses. This is a partial replication study, describing the results of the evaluation of the second cohort of a large DE program. The results from the first cohort are reported elsewhere (Kleinpeter & Potts, 2000). The DE students were located at four universities linked through interactive television (ITV). The comparison group was located at an urban university, taught in traditional classrooms. Comparisons were made on student grades, faculty evaluations, and field instructors' evaluations. Results indicate that no significant differences were found between on-campus and DE students which supports the findings of the first cohort, despite a reduction in faculty visits to off-campus locations, a greater use of ITV instruction, and an increased reliance on the use of local site coordinators as assistant instructors in the classroom.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the potential of an artificial neural network to improve prediction of recurrences of child physical abuse using the U.S. Air Force's central registry of child abuse reports.
Abstract: The present study explored the potential of an artificial neural network to improve prediction of recurrences of child physical abuse. Conducted on electronic data file compiled by the U.S. Air Force's central registry of child abuse reports, selected variables pertaining to all child physical abuse reports received from 1990–2000 (N = 5,612) were examined. Thirteen predictor variables and five interaction terms were identified for analysis. The neural network ultimately did not outperform an alternative method, binary logistic regression.
TL;DR: The utilization of spreadsheet-generated data visualization procedures in the graphical representation of change across domains of human services, including standard deviation enhanced line graphs, area graphs, and surface plots is demonstrated.
Abstract: Spreadsheets are underutilized evaluative tools Spreadsheets are applicable for data collection, statistical analysis, and graphical representation This paper demonstrates the utilization of spreadsheet-generated data visualization procedures in the graphical representation of change across domains of human services Also presented are models for graphical representation of change over time The data visualization procedures discussed include standard deviation enhanced line graphs (SDELG), area graphs, and surface plots Three domains of human service evaluation well-suited to use of spreadsheet graphical representational tools are practice evaluation, program evaluation, and the policy outcome evaluation
TL;DR: An automated screening system for substance abuse and mental health problems was developed and implemented in a rural primary care clinic but was not adopted because of the staff's concerns over patient privacy, impeding patient flow, and the physician's perceived ability to adequately identify these problems without assistance.
Abstract: An automated screening system for substance abuse and mental health problems was developed and implemented in a rural primary care clinic. Eighty-nine patients were assessed with this system. The incidence of identified problems, 35% in total, was consistent with that found in previous studies of patients in general and medical settings. Additionally, over half of the patients assessed felt at least some need for mental health or substance abuse treatment. Nonetheless, because of the staff's concerns over patient privacy, impeding patient flow, and the physician's perceived ability to adequately identify these problems without assistance, the system was not adopted.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce biofeedback technology to the school social worker as an efficacious intervention for stress/stress related disorders in children whether the stressor is behavioral, psychological, or physiological.
Abstract: SUMMARY The purpose of this paper is to introduce biofeedback technology to the school social worker as an efficacious intervention for stress/stress related disorders in children whether the stressor is behavioral, psychological, or physiological. Biofeedback has few caveats and presents an opportunity to use technology that is at once appealing to the student and reliable for the practitioner. This intervention moves the practitioner away from the medical model of treatment (a crisis model) to a learning model that is conducive to a strengths perspective intervention. A model for successful biofeedback intervention, advantages, and disadvantages of biofeedback in schools are included in the discussion.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the strategic planning involved in developing a distance education (DE) site within a state university system, and present a strategy for DE sites in order to meet the growing needs of the professional work force.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the strategic planning involved in developing a distance education (DE) site within a state university system. It is hoped that this paper will benefit faculty and administrators who are considering using DE to achieve university goals and meet the growing needs of the professional work force.
TL;DR: A social services department in the United Kingdom established a web portal and provided resources to enable agencies to publish their own pages on the Internet and several explanatory factors that may explain variance in uptake are considered.
Abstract: A social services department in the United Kingdom established a web portal and provided resources to enable agencies to publish their own pages on the Internet. Numerous web features were available, but few agencies utilized them. The portal is described, features identified, and several explanatory factors that may explain variance in uptake are considered.
TL;DR: The School Social Work Information System is a relational database designed and developed by the school social workers themselves, and implications for further social work practice are reviewed.
Abstract: SUMMARY After a review of their information management system, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Social Work Office began a process to improve data collection and information management. The result was the creation of the School Social Work Information System, a relational database designed and developed by the school social workers themselves. This article reviews the process of evaluating existing systems, developing and implementing the new system, evaluation and continued development of the new system, and implications for further social work practice. This article is intended to provide the school social worker with the necessary information to develop similar systems.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the process whereby school social workers in a local school district proceeded to introduce technology into their service delivery regimen, and show how such technology was, and may be, used to evaluate the services provided by school social worker in an alternative school.
Abstract: SUMMARY The public school system, one of the largest human service institutions in our nation, is continuously engaged in a struggle to balance the needs of a growing and diverse population with continuing threats of budget cuts. Under these conditions, it becomes even more critical that school social workers understand and appreciate the role of technology in delivering and evaluating services. To assess the effectiveness of school social work services, evaluation will have to be planned for, and systems of data collection and processing will have to be conducted on an ongoing basis. This paper outlines the process whereby school social workers in a local school district proceeded to introduce technology into their service delivery regimen. Secondly, the paper shows how such technology was, and may be, used to evaluate the services provided by school social workers in an alternative school.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide school social workers and other human service professionals with links to resources that can be incorporated into practice by offering specific web pages related to school social work practice.
Abstract: SUMMARY The Internet can assist social workers and other human service professionals to obtain information that may potentially benefit both themselves and their clients. There is little doubt among those who are familiar with the Internet that this electronic medium has revolutionized the way we communicate and access knowledge. This article provides school social workers and other human service professionals with links to resources that can be incorporated into practice by offering specific Web pages related to school social work practice.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The program is simplistic and does not capitalize on sophisticated multimedia programming techniques as discussed by the authors, and it adheres well to its goals of introducing anger as an emotion, but does not address strategies for anger management in depth or detail.
Abstract: Evaluation Summary: The program is simplistic and does not capitalize on sophisticated multimedia programming techniques. It adheres well to its goals of introducing anger as an emotion, but does not address strategies for anger management in depth or detail. Navigating the program’s components was easy and the CD ran well in the computer. Although it may be useful as a very basic introduction to anger for young children, I do not recommend this program due to its cost and lack of sophistication.
TL;DR: The NetAction project as discussed by the authors is a project of The Tides Center, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that works to ensure the accessibility and affordability of information technology and the Internet; train activists to use the Internet as a tool for grassroots organizing, outreach, and advocacy; and create effective grassroots citizen action campaigns and coalitions that link cyberspace activists with grassroots organizations.
Abstract: The practice of human service advocacy has been revolutionized by developments in information technology that have made mounting policy change campaigns easier and more effective (Hicks & McNutt, 2002; Price, 2000; Schwartz, 1996). These techniques, collectively referred to as electronic advocacy, include a wide range of technologies such as e-mail, discussion lists, websites, and databases (McNutt & Boland, 1999; Turner, 1998). A number of websites provide organizations and individuals opportunities to educate the public, organize and coordinate constituent groups, lobby legislators, debate policy issues, and develop policy initiatives. The following provide examples of advocacy-oriented websites and represent only a small fraction of the growing resources in this area. NetAction, http://www.netaction.org/. As stated on the website, “NetAction is a project of The Tides Center, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. NetAction works to ensure the accessibility and affordability of information technology and the Internet; train activists to use the Internet as a tool for grassroots organizing, outreach, and advocacy; and create effective grassroots citizen action campaigns and coalitions that link cyberspace activists with grassroots organizations.” The mission, sponsors, board members and organization history are clearly described in the “About NetAction” section. Current projects include: