Showing papers in "Journal of Technology in Human Services in 2006"
TL;DR: In this paper, an internet-based psychotherapeutic support group intervention for family caregivers of persons with neurodegenerative diseases was developed in a series of pilot studies and subsequently evaluated in a feasibility study with 34 participants.
Abstract: Objectives: An internet-based psychotherapeutic support group intervention for family caregivers of persons with neurodegenerative diseases was developed in a series of pilot studies and subsequently evaluated in a feasibility study with 34 participants. The aim was to duplicate online group interactions typical of face-to-face support groups. Methods: A user-friendly web site was developed according to usability criteria for older adult users. Unique features of the web site included video conferencing in two formats, one-on-one and a group format with up to 6 participants and a facilitator. Following ten professionally facilitated sessions, each group evolved into a web-based self-help support group facilitated online by a group member. Results: Qualitative analyses of early, middle and late group video conferencing sessions yielded themes congruent with face-to-face group process. Follow up interviews six months following the initiation of the online groups showed overall positive participant ...
58 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a study initiated to explore similarities and differences in the acquisition of interviewing skills of two groups of students enrolled in a required undergraduate social work practice course was conducted, and the results indicated no statistically significant difference in actual skill acquisition at the completion of the course between students in both groups as rated by an independent expert evaluator.
Abstract: This article reports findings from a study initiated to explore similarities and differences in the acquisition of interviewing skills of two groups of students enrolled in a required undergraduate social work practice course. One group was taught interviewing skills in a classroom-based teaching environment by one instructor and the other group was taught interviewing skills in an online instructional environment by a different instructor. Results indicate no statistically significant difference in actual skill acquisition at the completion of the course between students in both groups as rated by an independent expert evaluator. Future research direction is recommended.
41 citations
TL;DR: The authors compared 30 undergraduate social work and speech language pathology students' recall of material presented through multimedia versus traditional lecture and found that multimedia presentations had a positive effect on learning, while traditional lecture included a text display in the form of PowerPoint bullets only.
Abstract: This study compared 30 undergraduate social work and speech language pathology students' recall of material presented through multimedia versus traditional lecture. Advanced multimedia included audio, video, animation, graphics, text, and special effects. Traditional lecture included a text display in the form of PowerPoint bullets only. Both conditions presented material on the brain and the ear. Quantitative and qualitative results indicated that multimedia presentations had a positive effect on learning. Similar findings were obtained during a follow-up study three weeks later.
38 citations
TL;DR: A survey of 384 Central Pennsylvania social workers explored email use, attitudes, and difficulties as discussed by the authors and found that approximately three-fourths of social workers use email at work, primarily with co-workers.
Abstract: A survey of 384 Central Pennsylvania social workers explored email use, attitudes, and difficulties. Results found that approximately three-fourths of social workers use email at work, primarily with co-workers. Almost one-third has used email with clients, although the majority of social workers believe that email for therapeutic purposes is both unethical and ineffective. A small minority of social workers has experienced difficulties that include violating a client's confidentiality through email, sending email to the wrong person, and receiving harassing email. There is considerable variation in agency policy and training related to email. Implications for agency policy and continuing education are discussed.
36 citations
TL;DR: Data presented suggests a significant difference in the student's comfort using a computer alone, comfort using the internet and learning outcomes between online and in-class courses, but no differences were found related to comfort with word processing or Power Point.
Abstract: This article examines objective data regarding learning outcomes of students who participated in asynchronous online (web-based) instruction versus in-class (traditional) instruction. Data presented suggests a significant difference in the student's comfort using a computer alone, comfort using the internet and learning outcomes between online and in-class courses. However, no differences were found related to comfort with word processing or Power Point. There were no significant differences found between online and in-class students' internal locus of control beliefs. The authors suggest how these findings can be used to improve students' success; however, these findings should be considered tentative based on the small sample size in the online group (n = 5).
30 citations
TL;DR: Examination of the performance of 73 MSW students on objective measures of learning in a social work research course reveals that performance of students in lecture only and lecture with Blackboard supplement sections of the course was significantly better than performance ofStudents in the on-line course.
Abstract: Like many other disciplines, Social Work education programs are increasingly including on-line classes in course offerings. Despite the rapid and widespread proliferation of web-based courses there is little data in the social work literature to inform educators about this teaching methodology. Using a quasi-experimental design this study examines the performance of 73 MSW students on objective measures of learning in a social work research course. Findings reveal that performance of students in lecture only and lecture with Blackboard supplement sections of the course was significantly better than performance of students in the on-line course.
25 citations
TL;DR: The Third Space web-based learning environment was developed to simulate couples therapy supervision by adding functionalities to a traditional bulletin board to enable student and instructors to view videotaped role-plays on the web as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: This paper describes the design and integration of Third Space, an innovative computer mediated learning environment, in a couples therapy course for second year students in a MSW program. While most computer mediated teaching is used in distance education, we developed a web-based program to supplement the teaching of clinical skills in a traditional classroom. The Third Space web-based learning environment was developed to simulate couples therapy supervision by adding functionalities to a traditional bulletin board to enable student and instructors to view videotaped role-plays on the web and engage in online discussions about the role-plays. The effectiveness of this learning environment was evaluated with questionnaires and focus groups.
24 citations
TL;DR: Examination of clients' exposure to problematic Internet experiences among a national sample of 2,098 social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and other mental health professionals finds several areas in which additional training is needed and practical implications are reviewed.
Abstract: This paper examines clients' exposure to problematic Internet experiences among a national sample of 2,098 social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and other mental health professionals. This analysis finds that mental health professionals are working with clients experiencing a range of problems related to Internet use. However, these professionals have generally not been exposed to training or information in the professional literature on the topic of working with clients with problematic Internet experiences. We identify several areas in which additional training is needed and review practical implications for mental health professionals.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a brief overview of the digital divide and whether or not CTCs can effectively address the problem, and the concept of social inclusion is explored to determine how community technology centers are addressing poverty and social exclusion.
Abstract: Community technology centers (CTCs) are advanced as a major part of the solution to the so-called digital divide. It is believed that in the knowledge economy access to computing resources should level the playing field for low income people. Faced with a growing population that cannot afford computers or the Internet, government policy makers have been turning to technology community access points. This article presents a brief overview of the digital divide and whether or not CTCs can effectively address the problem. A CTC located at the Debra Dynes Family House in Ottawa, Canada–a center that has been highlighted in newspapers and government reports as a success story in bridging the digital divide-is reviewed. The concept of social inclusion is explored to determine how CTCs are addressing poverty and social exclusion.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the levels of coherence and dissonance between the education and training needs of social work practitioners working in a virtual environment and the focus of the requirements and learning and teaching approaches currently in use on social work programs within education settings in England.
Abstract: The paper considers the levels of coherence and dissonance between the education and training needs of social work practitioners working in a virtual environment and the focus of the requirements and learning and teaching approaches currently in use on social work programmes within education settings in England. The paper argues a gap exists in the way information and communication skills are currently conceptualised to support the education and training of social workers. It appears that e-learning is often considered in relation to its functional advantages and that similarly ICT skills are considered in terms of computer program literacy. The much wider question of the development of competence for virtual practice and how e-learning may support this development require much greater consideration and application.
14 citations
TL;DR: AIDS Service Organizations that provide services to HIV-positive persons or that are dedicated to reducing HIV transmission are beginning to use information technology in their work, but these activities would benefit from more refinement and formal evaluation.
Abstract: Organizations that provide services to HIV-positive persons or that are dedicated to reducing HIV transmission are beginning to use information technology in their work. We surveyed 88 AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) in 42 U.S. states regarding their use of the Internet. Most ASOs allowed individuals to contact them via email and half provided computers for clients to access HIV-related information. One-third of the ASOs were conducting online HIV prevention programs. Most online programs employed an outreach model in chat rooms. American ASOs are enthusiastically forging ahead with online prevention. However, in most cases these activities would benefit from more refinement and formal evaluation.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe and critique the creation of a student-centered, reality-based training video undertaken by students and faculty from the departments of social work and visual arts at a northeastern university.
Abstract: This article describes and critiques the creation of a student-centered, reality-based training video undertaken by students and faculty from the departments of social work and visual arts at a northeastern university There are several key and innovative aspects to this video It is a collaboration between faculty and students of the schools of social work and the arts: social work students play themselves and students and affiliates of the school of the arts play clients and were responsible for all technical aspects of the video The interactions portrayed are based on real social work student process recordings, and client-worker interactions are followed by a supervisory session, underscoring the importance of feedback for learning The relevant literature on a variety of teaching techniques on which we based our work, including the use of role plays, simulated clients, and video technology, is reviewed Social work educators are encouraged to develop their own videos depicting their student
TL;DR: The Long Beach YMCA CORAL Youth Institute as discussed by the authors is an innovative program that uses technology as a mechanism for promoting positive youth development and technology skills while enhancing school and life success among low-income, culturally-diverse, urban high school students.
Abstract: The Long Beach YMCA CORAL Youth Institute is an innovative program that uses technology as a mechanism for promoting positive youth development and technology skills while enhancing school and life success among low-income, culturally-diverse, urban high school students. This article describes the Youth Institute and explores program outcomes on participants from the 2003 Intensive Summer Program (N = 37). Results from the quantitative and qualitative research indicated significant positive changes in both technology and leadership skills as well as increased positive youth development and community involvement for participants involved in the program.
TL;DR: This paper presents a systems analysis technique and a data model based on one of the theoretical foundations of current social work practice: the ecosystems perspective that facilitates a range of knowledge management and performance measurement capabilities that have so far been uncommon in client-tracking systems.
Abstract: Early client-tracking databases were strongly influenced by the structure of previous paper-based systems. More recently, there has been evolution toward databases that attempt to represent the inter-connectedness of people in the human service environment. No consensus on best practices, however, has yet emerged. This paper presents a systems analysis technique and a data model based on one of the theoretical foundations of current social work practice: the ecosystems perspective. This approach facilitates a range of knowledge management and performance measurement capabilities that have so far been uncommon in client-tracking systems.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors address how to ensure in a moderately-sized (40 students) IVT classroom that relationship remains integral to effective social work practice, but overlook the centrality of relationship and challenges in distance education for teaching and modeling social work relationships.
Abstract: The heart of social work is relationship. IVT literature implies obstacles to interaction, but overlooks the centrality of relationship and challenges in distance education for teaching and modeling social work relationships. This article addresses how to ensure in the moderately-sized (40 students) IVT classroom that relationship remains integral to effective social work practice.
TL;DR: This paper examined the impact of an interdisciplinary collaborative on the information literacy of its participants by using legitimate peripheral participation as a conceptual framework and found that participants cited more frequently the non-technical aspects of information literacy as being more beneficial than gains in technical know-how.
Abstract: The study examined the impact of an interdisciplinary collaborative on the information literacy of its participants by using legitimate peripheral participation (Lave & Wenger, 1991) as a conceptual framework. The objectives of this exploratory study were to document participants' qualitative gains in information technology knowledge and uses, and to analyze expert involvement in supporting learning by novices. Data were gathered by using a participation observation approach, interviews, and survey. Participants cited more frequently the non-technical aspects of information literacy as being more beneficial than gains in technical know-how. Varying degrees of expert involvement ranging from enabling to instructing were identified. The implications in terms of convening and managing communities of practice and the development of legitimate peripheral participation theory are discussed.
TL;DR: In the last twenty years several advances in visual recording devices have been made which offer a significant potential for advancement in the data collection and analysis Social Work continues to rely on the technology of the 1960s The use of digital video presents many advantages over audio Video gives depth, can be easily analyzed using a PC and offers diversity in presentation of findings.
Abstract: The fields of anthropology and sociology are the origins of qualitative research Early qualitative researchers documented findings through the use of copious notes The invention of portable audio recorders lead to qualitative researchers taping their findings The use of recording devices as the primary source of data documentation has been embraced by social work researchers Though, in the last twenty years several advances in visual recording devices have been made which offer a significant potential for advancement in the data collection and analysis Social Work continues to rely on the technology of the 1960s The use of digital video presents many advantages over audio Video gives depth, can be easily analyzed using a PC, and offers diversity in presentation of findings This article discusses the history of qualitative research; the use of technology in data collection; the emergence of visual methods; the emergence of social work in the field; and a call for social work researchers to
TL;DR: In this paper, the Addiction Severity Index-Multimedia Version (ASI-MV), a self-administered audio assessment of substance use as well as concurrent psychosocial problems, is described.
Abstract: This article reviews the research regarding computer-assisted self-interviews and describes a specific program, the Addiction Severity Index-Multimedia Version (ASI-MV), a self-administered audio assessment of substance use as well as concurrent psychosocial problems. This program was integrated into a graduate substance abuse course through a simulated exercise intended to introduce students to computer-based assessments. Students (N = 21) later evaluated the exercise and their reactions to computerized assessment at the end of the semester. Overall, students reported increased assessment skills, more comfort with the use of computers to assess clients, and willingness to incorporate computers into social work practice.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of clip art on student learning in the classroom and the impact of adding clip art to these slides were evaluated and one hundred forty-two college students were randomly assigned to the clip art class.
Abstract: The effect of electronic slides on student learning in the classroom and the impact of adding clip art to these slides were evaluated. One hundred forty-two college students were randomly assigned ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors created web-based content centers to support key curriculum areas of an M.S. program and developed technology skills of faculty designers and student users of course support materials.
Abstract: Web-based content centers are collections of scholarly digital resources that can be used to support learning in a variety of contexts. Through a recent pilot project, faculty created web-based content centers to support key curriculum areas of an M.S.W. program. Additionally the project aimed at developing technology skills of faculty designers and student users of course support materials. Positive student learning outcomes and increased faculty use of technology resulted. Project outcomes also included the building of virtual learning communities.
TL;DR: In this article, a review examines two websites that support the social work field within the macro practitioner field of community organizing/building and discusses the benefits of how technology can assist with this process.
Abstract: This review examines two websites that support the social work field within the macro practitioner field of community organizing/building. The community building effort has seen in the past 100 years an evolution into not only building community capacity, but establishing programs within communities that enrich education, employment, and economic development (Pinkett, 2003). We are only beginning to see the benefits of how technology can assist with this process. The best practices of community technology see community members as active agents of change and likewise, community builders see community members in the same light (Pinkett, 2003). Advances in information have allowed a prolific development of technology-based communities. On-line groups, traditional e-mail, listserves, and chat rooms have contributed to the rise in online communities (Hick & McNutt, 2002). Changes in the term community have occurred, as well, due to the online phenomena. Traditionally, community meant geographical loca-