Showing papers in "Journal of Technology in Human Services in 2004"
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the counseling and technology literature revealed existing controversies, and practical vs. philosophical concerns associated with incorporating technology into counseling, and the underlying assumptions held by advocates and opponents of technology in counseling are reviewed and discussed.
Abstract: Counselors, like many other professionals, are being forced to decide whether or not to make use of technology in their work. A review of the counseling and technology literature revealed existing controversies, and practical vs. philosophical concerns associated with incorporating technology into counseling. The underlying assumptions held by advocates and opponents of technology in counseling are reviewed and discussed. The premise of this article is that the controversy concerning computers in counseling may be misunderstood if taken merely at face value, and may be symptomatic of a much deeper disagreement. These differences can be further explored by recognizing the varying worldviews which can be characterized as modernist and postmodernist perspectives. In conclusion, tolerance of dual approaches to applying technology in counseling will best permit the counseling field to progress.
24 citations
TL;DR: Foster parents and children who participated in a program to reduce the digital divide among foster children were surveyed about difficulties experienced in use of online communications as discussed by the authors, and the majority of both parents and social workers were confident in their ability to deal with Internet-related problems.
Abstract: Foster parents and children (n = 64 families) who participated in a program to reduce the digital divide among foster children were surveyed about difficulties experienced in use of online communications. Providing Internet access to foster families increased Internet use, but was not perceived by parents or children as taking away time from other family or social relationships. A minority of parents and foster youth, however, reported a variety of problems ranging from benign arguments over access to the computer or frustration over equipment failure to serious concerns about children receiving pornography or meeting a sexual predator online. Although the majority of both parents and social workers were confident in their ability to deal with Internet-related problems, approximately one-third had low confidence in their ability to deal with foster family's Internet-related difficulties. Training foster parents on using filtering software to prevent pornography from coming into the child's experi...
17 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that perceptions regarding the advantages of online health information still far outweigh actual utilization, and barriers to actual utilization include lack of easy access to computers with high-speed connections, trusted and timely online information, training and staff development issues, and organizational policies concerning computer access and usage.
Abstract: Effective population-based and patient-centered public health care is highly dependent on timely and reliable health-related information. The continuous growth and availability of health-related information brought about by the emergence of a new digital communications environment offers a range of opportunities that facilitate access to useful health information for the public health sector–for providers as well as patients. Such advancements, however, can only be realized if public health professionals are knowledgeable about existing sources of online health information, have the ability to successfully judge the reliability of online health information, and are able to acquire the information in a timely and efficient manner. This research follows on the heels of a survey of public health professionals in New York State that concluded that limited access and knowledge negatively impacted utilization of interactive health communication technologies. In this study, a survey was administered to ...
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the impact of health care professionals on the interaction in a Norwegian Internet discussion forum and found that professional involvement would have marked effects on interaction in discussion forums; among other things encourage short and factual/practical interaction patterns at the expense of social climate.
Abstract: The study investigates the impact by health-care professionals on a Norwegian Internet discussion forum. A comparison of the same forum in time-periods with either high or low level of professional involvement was performed. The hypothesis was that professional involvement would have marked effects on the interaction in discussion forums; among other things encourage short and factual/practical interaction patterns at the expense of social climate. A range of different methods were utilized, quantitative analysis, (qualitative) content analysis, and visual mapping. The results show differences between high and low professional involvement in the forum in terms of activity level, distribution over week-days, social presence density, and structure. Some methodological reflections are offered, as well as recommendations for future research.
9 citations
TL;DR: The methodology, Status-Transition-Cycle (STC) mapping, assists in systems analysis and simultaneously suggests a data model convention for client-tracking systems.
Abstract: Participants flow into, through, and out of human service programs in complex ways: into a program's screening process and out again without receiving services (ineligibility); from one internal state of receiving services to another (advances and setbacks); and out of and back into the program (repeating). Drawing on the traditions of the information systems field, we propose a methodology for defining and graphically modeling participant flows. The methodology, Status-Transition-Cycle (STC) mapping, assists in systems analysis and simultaneously suggests a data model convention for client-tracking systems.
8 citations
TL;DR: A case analysis of a multidimensional telemedicine project in Michigan that enjoyed both success and failure is sought and a discussion of five universal challenges that must be addressed for project evaluators to achieve utilization levels to allow for reliable research conclusions is discussed.
Abstract: The deployment of interactive communication technologies to deliver health services and education has grown significantly over the past decade. Telemedicine, the use of telecommunication technologies for health care, is one specific application that has enjoyed significant public and private funding for research projects. However, telemedicine project evaluators have run into a serious barrier in their research efforts, namely, the deployment of telemedicine is often tremendously time-consuming and often yields utilization levels inadequate for research purposes. This article seeks to overview this problem through a case analysis of a multidimensional telemedicine project in Michigan that enjoyed both success and failure. The article concludes with a discussion of five universal challenges that must be addressed for project evaluators to achieve utilization levels to allow for reliable research conclusions.
6 citations
TL;DR: The Voice-Interactive Depression Assessment Sys-tem-III (VIDAS-III) as mentioned in this paper is a bilingual computerized speech recognition application for screening depression in English and Spanish.
Abstract: The Voice-Interactive Depression Assessment Sys-tem-III (VIDAS-III) is a bilingual computerized speech recognition application for screening depression. In this study, 128 English- and 128 Spanish-speakers completed a demographic interview, an acculturation scale, the BDI-II, the CIDI-Short Form, and VIDAS-III. The results suggested that VIDAS-III subscales (CES-D and DSM-IV criteria) demonstrated high inter-item reliability (.81 to .92), strong concurrent validity (.58 to .67), sensitivity (.72 to 1.0), and specificity (.40 to .72). Both language groups positively rated VIDAS-III. Male and female participants most often selected a digitized female voice to present VIDAS-III. The findings suggest that speech computerized interviewing can accurately detect depressive symptoms in English and Spanish.
6 citations
TL;DR: A study of 120 persons with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. found approximately 19% used the Internet for HIV/ AIDS-related purposes, much lower than the rate for general Internet use among the general population.
Abstract: The Internet offers people with HIV/AIDS timely information about treatment advances and supportive social contacts for this stigmatized disease, yet little is known about Internet use patterns among people with HIV/AIDS. This study of 120 persons with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. found approximately 19% used the Internet for HIV/AIDS-related purposes, much lower than the rate for general Internet use among the U.S. population. Lower incomes were associated with lower rates of use, echoing the “digital divide” found in the general population. Access from home was most common and information sought was primarily on medical treatments and medications. Possible reasons for low access rates, strategies for increasing access, and implications for other client groups are discussed.
6 citations
TL;DR: OLAP technology is explained and its use in DEMOS, a three-year, exploratory research project to improve the decision making of child protective service staff related to federal CFSR standards, is illustrated.
Abstract: Various technologies exist that allow the visualization of data. One major set of technological innovations known as OLAP (Online Analytic Processing) were tested in three-year, exploratory research project to improve the decision making of child protective service staff related to federal CFSR (Child and Family Services Review) standards. The OLAP application developed, called DEMOS (Data Enhanced Management Online Support) contained 6000+ clickable charts. Staff using a standard browser on the agency's intranet could drill down from statewide to unit level data and could slice & dice by clicking on staff, agency, and client characteristics such as client gender and age. This article explains OLAP technology and illustrates its use in DEMOS. The development process is described along with lessons learned and next steps. While DEMOS success measures, frequency of use, and improved decision making, were difficult to establish given the limited time that DEMOS was operational, DEMOS was well accept...
5 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined how a web-based communication and information site was used as a forum to foster a sense of community among members of a graduate social work program in a multi-site, rural university setting.
Abstract: This article examines how a web-based communication and information site was used as a forum to foster a sense of community among members of a graduate social work program in a multi-site, rural university setting. Results indicate that students made greater use of the site than faculty and those who used the site felt a greater sense of community. This article also explores the lessons learned in using this type of electronic discourse.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a model of supervision and specific protocols are proposed to provide adequate supervision and maximum empowerment of local supervisors, while minimizing legal liability, based on the analysis of these laws and applicable ethics.
Abstract: Web-based videoconferencing is one method employed by some schools of social work to supervise students in international field placements. This paper examines how specific international and national laws apply to that process. Laws examined include the European Union Privacy Directive, the United States' Health Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), other national laws, and the looming General Agreement on Trade in Service (GATS). Based on the analysis of these laws and applicable ethics, a model of supervision and specific protocols are proposed to provide adequate supervision and maximum empowerment of local supervisors, while minimizing legal liability.
TL;DR: The authors found that Chinese learners exhibit unique perceptions and behaviors in a web-based learning environment, such as passivity in expressing opinions and uncertainty about their learning without a teacher's assurance.
Abstract: Chinese learners, being influenced by Confucian Heritage Culture (CHC), exhibit unique perceptions and behaviors in a web-based learning environment, such as passivity in expressing opinions and uncertainty about their learning without a teacher's assurance. Findings in this paper reflect such influences in a web-based social policy course for Chinese students which made extensive use of bulletin board discussion. In addition, their involvement in it is associated with how they feel about teachers' concern about their learning and whether expectations and assignments are clear. The paper recommends ways to improve web-based teaching and to facilitate Chinese learners in this new learning environment.
TL;DR: The purpose for the website is to provide research resources for students and professionals seeking help in conducting research, and may be especially helpful for people who need to brush up on concepts, methodologies and techniques.
Abstract: This website is personally created and maintained by Dr. William Trochim, Professor of Policy Analysis and Management at Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology. Dr. Trochim created the website in the mid 1990s and continues to update it. The purpose for the website is to provide research resources for students and professionals seeking help in conducting research. The website may be especially helpful for people who need to brush up on concepts, methodologies and techniques. The homepage contains navigation aids in a left sidebar and the main contents are presented as icons and text on the right. A welcome and overview is presented in the bottom section. No special applications such as Flash or RealOne Player are needed, and while a few graphics are present, most of the contents are text based, making for easy access from slow connections. The website holds many of Dr. Trochim’s own works such as publications and also showcases student research projects. While these reflect personal dimensions, the website contains some extremely useful tools and resources that are of general interest. One outstanding resource is a complete hypertext entitled The Research Methods Knowledge Base. This is an interactive online textbook that covers topics and issues that are typical for introductory courses in
TL;DR: The Global Program on Youth (GPY) employs a technology-supported, collaborative framework of problem solving, called a collaboratory, to improve the lives of children and youth as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The Global Program on Youth (GPY) employs a technology-supported, collaborative framework of problem solving, called a collaboratory, to improve the lives of children and youth. Collaboratory partners use technology to share research, apply practice wisdom, and learn from the experiences and perspectives of diverse groups of people. Findings from the initiative are presented in this article, highlighting the lessons learned from each of the participating collaboratories, including the rewards, challenges, and applications of technology-supported collaboration.