Showing papers in "Journal of Technology in Human Services in 2016"
TL;DR: Smartphone-based EMA is feasible in older adults with cognitive and emotional difficulties but EMA tools should be responsive to the needs and preferences of participants to ensure adequate acceptability and adherence in this population.
Abstract: This feasibility study assessed perceived acceptability, adherence rates, and reasons for nonadherence to smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA). At two sites, participants (n = 103) ages 65 years or older with diagnosed anxiety or depressive disorder and cognitive concerns responded three times daily to smartphone-based EMA questions assessing clinical outcomes for two 10-day periods. Quantitative and qualitative measures followed both 10-day EMA periods. Overall, 76% of participants completed surveys on ≥ 10 of the 20 assessment days, and 70% of participants completed at least 30% of the total surveys. Reasons for nonadherence included technical, logistical, physiological, and cognitive issues. Smartphone-based EMA is feasible in older adults with cognitive and emotional difficulties. EMA tools should be responsive to the needs and preferences of participants to ensure adequate acceptability and adherence in this population. Our findings can inform the design, development, and im...
59 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined factors that may influence technology use: asking if organizational culture is related to uptake in the professional context, and if self-reported individual resistance to innovation and change can explain voluntary adoption of ICT tools.
Abstract: Little is understood about the scope of information and communication technology (ICT) use in practice for agency-based social work professionals, and still less is known about how such practitioners acquire and avail themselves of opportunities to learn about ICT tools. This study asked a sample of social work field supervisors (n = 371) to describe their personal and professional ICT use, to rank the technological sophistication of their agency, to describe the barriers and facilitators to ICT use in their organizations and to operationalize environmental opportunities for acquiring new skills and knowledge. The authors examine factors that may influence technology use: asking if organizational culture is related to uptake in the professional context, and if self-reported individual resistance to innovation and change can explain voluntary adoption of ICT tools. The results offer a portrait of how agency-based social workers are using technology in personal and professional life, describe how th...
27 citations
TL;DR: This study examined the differences in Master’s level counseling student supervisees’ perceptions of participating in cybersupervision as compared to traditional face-to-face clinical supervision.
Abstract: Despite a great increase in the popularity of cybersupervision, little research is provided regarding supervisees’ perceptions of its effectiveness. This study examined the differences in Master’s level counseling student supervisees’ perceptions of participating in cybersupervision as compared to traditional face-to-face clinical supervision. Results indicated no significant difference in the perceived effectiveness between the two conditions. Implications and suggestions for future research and practice are provided.
26 citations
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TL;DR: In addition to providing directions, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is used in a myriad of position, navigation, and timing operations as discussed by the authors, from precision agriculture to offender monitoring, GPS is a massive economic force that is profoundly affecting many of the world's complex systems.
Abstract: In addition to providing directions, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is used in a myriad of position, navigation, and timing operations. From precision agriculture to offender monitoring, GPS is a massive economic force that is profoundly affecting many of the world’s complex systems.
24 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a relational competence framework was proposed to increase the ability of foster youths to form and maintain healthy relationships with their social service providers and foster care providers, and a web-based application designed to increase communication between foster youths, their providers and their mentors.
Abstract: Mindful of the tremendous risk factors that foster youths encounter, a federal demonstration project sought to increase their protective factors and to mitigate their adverse experiences. The ability to form and maintain healthy relationships is a key protective factor as it helps youths navigate life’s challenges, especially those challenges that result from unresolved loss and grief as a result of being in care. The study was guided by a relational competence framework. The youths were issued smartphones, and their social service providers were given a Web-based application designed to increase communication between the foster youths, their providers, and their mentors. Findings reveal several favorable outcomes associated with the use of the smartphones but also several unintended negative consequences. Recommendations for balancing youths’, caregivers’, and providers’ needs, positions, and rights are discussed. Likewise, the authors discuss the study’s implications for program development that...
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used Concept Mapping to delineate a conceptual framework germane to developing an app to assist youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood, and explore differences in development priority areas among participants.
Abstract: Despite the promise of mobile smartphone applications (apps) in addressing challenges faced by foster youth transitioning to adulthood, the literature is devoid of conceptual frameworks for the development of these apps. This article documents the process of using Concept Mapping to delineate a conceptual framework germane to developing an app to assist youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood, and explore differences in development priority areas among participants. Participant data was collected via qualitative brainstorming sessions, and analyzed using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. This article explicates findings from this study, discusses implications, and identifies apposite areas for future research.
12 citations
TL;DR: The authors discusses the qualitative lessons learned from a joint social work difficult dialogue education project undertaken by students from a historically Black college and university (HBCU) and those from a predominantly white institution (PWI).
Abstract: This study discusses the qualitative lessons learned from a joint social work difficult dialogue education project undertaken by students from a historically Black college and university (HBCU) and those from a predominantly White institution (PWI). The assignment utilized critical pedagogy as a guiding theory to facilitate difficult dialogues about diversity, privilege, and difference through social media and technology. Qualitative data analyzed from the project points to the usefulness and challenges of using social media and technology in facilitating difficult dialogues as well as the need to train students more purposely in the effective use of social media and technology during their education in order to prepare them for practice.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors surveyed a national sample of representatives from agencies administering pretrial programs that use GPS following DV-related charges and found that some also use a range of other tools and monitor diverse portfolios of offenders.
Abstract: Tools that facilitate the electronic monitoring of criminal justice populations are becoming widespread and multifaceted as they are adapted for a range of purposes and offender categories. In the past two decades, justice agencies across the United States have incorporated global positioning systems (GPS) to enforce no-contact orders in cases involving domestic violence (DV) or intimate partner violence (IPV). The current study surveyed a national (U.S.) sample of representatives (N = 114) from agencies administering pretrial programs that use GPS following DV-related charges. While all respondents are involved in using GPS for DV, analysis shows that some also use a range of other tools and monitor diverse portfolios of offenders; we report on relationships between the number of technologies used, populations monitored, attitudes, and practices. The article discusses the importance of giving due attention to the role of specialization in remotely supervising clients and providing them with services.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a linking design that can synergize individual and group participation to support the development of mutual aid, as well as greater interaction with psycho education content and materials.
Abstract: Improving outcomes of telebehavioral psychoeducation requires rethinking program design when delivered wholly or partially for self-directed participation. Discussion forum participation often follows the “90-9-1 Rule” where 90% of participants lurk, rather than contribute content. A theoretical perspective on the behavior can help explain its adaptive functions, as well as the threats that this behavior poses to the lurker. Implications for practice require program redesign that actively links individual skills training and group-based discussion. The proposed linking design can synergize individual and group participation to support the development of mutual aid, as well as greater interaction with psychoeducation content and materials.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the development of information and communications technology (ICT) by a nongovernment child welfare agency over the past two decades, guided by a social constructionist view of technology in which technology is shaped by social factors.
Abstract: Changes in information and communications technology (ICT) in human services have accelerated rapidly and have elicited academic concern about the impact on practice, changes in approaches to implementation, and a shift to user-led development. This article describes the development of ICT by a nongovernment child welfare agency over the past two decades. It is guided by a social constructionist view of technology in which technology is shaped by social factors, but in turn shapes the “social” implementation as requiring the integration of two distinct technologies: a standardized framework for practice and the computer. Both technologies had to be carefully aligned to workplace culture, but the interests of workers have not been allowed to dominate those of and children and families. The organization of work has had to change. This article explores the agency’s experience drawing on theories of implementation of ICT in human services.
10 citations
TL;DR: Analysis revealed that iCohere served the following functions: facilitating communication, providing a depository for information and resource sharing, and allowing for remote meeting attendance.
Abstract: This study explores the use of Computer-Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW) technologies, by way of a computer-based system called iCohere This system was used to facilitate collaboration conducting Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Data was gathered from 13 members of a Community Collaborative Board (CCB) Analysis revealed that iCohere served the following functions: facilitating communication, providing a depository for information and resource sharing, and allowing for remote meeting attendance Results indicated that while iCohere was useful in performing these functions, less expensive technologies had the potential to achieve similar goals if properly implemented Implications for future research on CSCW systems and CBPR are discussed
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the history of offender tracking technologies, including GPS tracking, and propose a non-penal approach for mobility monitoring with the intention of remaking electronic monitoring into a "persuasive technology".
Abstract: Mobile surveillance of offenders was first demonstrated more than 50 years ago, although not with the taken-for-granted punitive emphasis that it has acquired today. Contemporary use of Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking indicates that it can reduce certain types of offenses while the person is being monitored; however sustained beneficial effects remain in doubt. Given the long history of numerous crime-fighting proposals, and the persistent orientation towards punishment, the probability that electronic tracking in its present forms will eventually prove to be a worthwhile advance is not great. This article explores the history of offender tracking technologies, including GPS tracking. The article also seeks to resurrect some of the original, nonpenal, hopes for mobility monitoring (using an array of digital systems and devices) with the intention of remaking electronic monitoring into a “persuasive technology.”
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors determine factors influencing counselor educators' behavioral intentions to teach counseling students about mental health mobile applications (MHMAs), factors influencing values of MHMAs as therapeutic tools, and to what extent counselor education programs are contributing to future counselors' technological competence with regard to evaluating and integrating mobile applications.
Abstract: This objective of this research was to determine factors influencing counselor educators’ behavioral intentions to teach counseling students about mental health mobile applications (MHMAs), factors influencing values of MHMAs as therapeutic tools, and to what extent counselor education programs are contributing to future counselors’ technological competence with regard to evaluating and integrating MHMAs. The conceptual basis was a theory triangulation approach using theories of technology use and acceptance and diffusion of innovations. Nine quantitative, two qualitative, and two mixed methods research questions served to guide the study. Participants were 132 faculty members from 99 university counseling programs. Participants completed an initial survey, an evaluation of an evidence-based mental health mobile application (app), and a postmeasure. Hierarchical multiple regression, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), independent samples t-tests, and paired samples t-tests were used to analyze quanti...
TL;DR: The advent of GPS tracking in Belgium is described by situating it within broader penal policy and the existing application of electronic monitoring in Belgium and its possible advantages and drawbacks are discussed.
Abstract: Electronic monitoring has recently entered a new phase in Belgium by introducing it at the pre-trial stage. In fact, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, as supportive technology, has potentially replaced remand custody. From a controlling perspective, GPS tracking is perceived to be remarkable as it allows constant monitoring of subjects’ movements in real time. However, this crucial advantage of GPS tracking is heavily underused in Belgium. This article describes the advent of GPS tracking in Belgium by situating it within broader penal policy and the existing application of electronic monitoring in Belgium. The application and management of GPS tracking will also be explained and its possible advantages and drawbacks discussed.
TL;DR: The application and outcomes of GPS-EM sanctions in the United States and Australia have been examined in this paper, with the focus on the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS-EM) as part of the "tough on crime" agenda.
Abstract: In the United States and, subsequently, in Australia the utilization of Global Positioning Systems—Electronic Monitoring (GPS-EM) proliferated in the mid-2000s as part of the populist “tough on crime” agenda. These surveillance-oriented sanctions are applied on serious sex offenders usually post their original sentences. This article critically examines the application and outcomes of GPS-EM sanctions in the United States and Australia. U.S. evaluations have indicated that to be successful, GPS-EM sanctions must contain offender treatment, be appropriately funded, and have an effectively run centralized monitoring center. Evaluative research on GPS-EM sanctions in Australia is yet to be conducted.
TL;DR: Linden et al. as mentioned in this paper set the GPS pilot in the context of political developments around electronic monitoring (EM) in Canada, and drew selectively on qualitative aspects of the evaluation to describe and analyze the official (mostly probation officer) and offender perspectives on the introduction and use of tracking, alongside more traditional means of supervi...
Abstract: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada experienced high levels of auto theft and joy riding and related public safety offenses, committed in the main by Indigenous Canadian youth (Linden, 2010; Owen, 2008a). The initial police-probation response, the Winnipeg Auto Theft Suppression Strategy (WATSS) reduced the rates of this, but in 2008, for political rather than professional reasons, a Global Positioning System (GPS)–tracking pilot was added to the strategy, in the expectation that auto theft rates would decline still further. An official evaluation was commissioned from the University of Manitoba, and undertaken as research for a Masters Degree dissertation. This article sets the GPS pilot in the context of political developments around electronic monitoring (EM) in Canada, and draws selectively on qualitative aspects of the evaluation to describe and analyze the official (mostly probation officer) and offender perspectives on the introduction and use of tracking, alongside more traditional means of supervi...
TL;DR: Serious doubts are raised about the rehabilitative potential of EM with respect to the current evaluative findings and its nationwide use is analyzed.
Abstract: In Germany, Electronic Monitoring (EM) is currently applied in two different areas. As of 2000, in the German state of Hesse, Radio Frequency (RF) EM has been used for probationers to avoid (re)imprisonment. Approximately 4 years ago, a federal law came into force allowing for Global Positioning System (GPS) EM of high-risk offenders after prison release. In spite of these ongoing areas of application, a pilot project featuring GPS-EM of prisoners was carried out as a means of release preparation in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg from October 2010 until March 2012. This article gives an overview of the different areas of application of EM in Germany and analyzes its nationwide use. Furthermore, the rationale and the outcome of the pilot project in Baden-Wurttemberg are presented in detail. In conclusion, the authors raise serious doubts about the rehabilitative potential of EM with respect to the current evaluative findings.
TL;DR: How the teaching model impacts student perception of self-efficacy regarding group work practice skills is explored, which is designed to utilize digital technology and collaborative learning strategies in Interactive Video Connected (IVC) and traditional face-to-face classrooms.
Abstract: This article describes the use of a research-based teaching model using digital technology to enhance self-efficacy and group work practice skills in an undergraduate social work course. Our project focused on the development of group leadership interactional skill training for undergraduate social work students. We present pedagogical and theoretical approaches explaining a teaching model, which is designed to utilize digital technology and collaborative learning strategies in Interactive Video Connected (IVC) and traditional face-to-face classrooms. We explore how the teaching model impacts student perception of self-efficacy regarding group work practice skills.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a new area of research in sensor and social web development to help indicate children's insecurity in their daily environment, in particular a feeling of insecurity might be a problem when being alone.
Abstract: The well-being and safety of children and young people are important aspects in all contexts of everyday life. In particular, a feeling of insecurity might be a problem when being alone. Bullying is also common among school-age children and teenagers. Hence, there is a great need for personalized support systems to resolve these problems. This article describes a new area of research in sensor and social web development to help indicate children’s insecurity in their daily environment. Deeper integration of sensors and the social web would allow us to foresee drastic changes in communities and new social–ethical scenarios will emerge.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors synthesize the literature to date on GIS in health and human services with examples of real world applications, synthesizing the literature and real-world applications.
Abstract: Social workers are better equipped to understand the need to incorporate geographical aspects pertaining to their clients’ lives as part of their practice, given the significant influence these factors have on client well-being. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is a useful tool for administrators and planners to make informed decisions regarding human service programs including examining program outcomes and impact as well as streamlining program implementation. This article synthesizes the literature to date on GIS in health and human services with examples of real world applications.
TL;DR: Results indicated that clinician participants found the online training to be enjoyable and comprehensive, and they reported that the most beneficial training package involved the combination of web-based and in-person training.
Abstract: This study evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and satisfaction associated with a newly developed online clinician training program for the Family Talk preventive intervention, both alone and together with a redesigned, shortened, face-to-face component. Fifty-eight predominately in-home therapy clinicians participated in the study. Results indicated that clinician participants found the online training to be enjoyable and comprehensive, and they reported that the most beneficial training package involved the combination of web-based and in-person training. This combined training could efficiently cover necessary didactic material online while also delivering important clinical skill practice and in-person discussion. Exceptions, limitations, and important future research questions are discussed.