Teaching SW Students Digital Activism & Community Engagement

This fall 2013 in my Introduction to Social Work (SW 1010) course I will engage students in a "Digital Activism & Community Engagement Project” using iPad. This classroom project will allow me to hire five Peer Mentors (PMs) who will each lead a group of approximately 5-7 students in a unique semester-long activity with a special emphasis on how the iPad can be used as a tool for effective digital activism, group engagement, and community service. Each of these projects will require students to demonstrate how their activities relate to social work practice. SW 1010 has featured the use of PMs and service learning group projects for over two years; however, this year the course will teach students how to actively integrate mobile technology in community activism and service. To achieve this goal, each PM will receive an iPad 4 (32 GB) that will be used in part to: 1) digitally capture the group work process and community service experiences of the SW 1010 PM group 2) increase pre-SW students’ awareness of how mobile technology (iPad) can be used professionally to e/affect individual and broad-based community change efforts 3) create a visual presentation (using iPad Keynote or other compatible system) designed to educate/build community awareness of the assigned issue/problem/challenge 4) increase student/community awareness of how the social work profession can/is integrating mobile and Internet technology in direct practice The PM will be embedded within their groups and will be expected to actively participate in the experience. PMs will also be responsible for maintaining/securing the iPad when not in use for the group project. Examples of Digital Activism & Community Engagement Projects include the following: Project 1: Working with Aging Populations A SW 1010 student group will be assigned to a Detroit-area apartment complex for aging individuals. Students with the assistance of their PM will develop a digital video pictorial project capturing the lives of interested residents in and around the housing facility. Residents will also be asked to engage in short informational interviews (story-telling) based on their lives. This Project is designed to give seniors a voice and a sense of value, while teaching Pre-SW students engagement and providing direct exposure to an oftentimes overlooked, disenfranchised population. At the end of this project a video link of the end product will be presented to residents/housing staff.  Given the close proximity of  residential apartment complex to our college campus, participating residents/staff will be invited to attend the final SW 1010 course to witness the group presentation and briefly share thoughts with the entire class, if interested. Project 2: Positive Social Media Campaign According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Clicktivism is the use of social media and other online methods to promote a cause. During fall 2012 and winter 2013 semesters, SW 1010 students attempted developing a positive media campaign by sharing inspirational, positive news stories with Detroit area media outlets through group letter writing, emailing, and placing calls to news departments. Regrettably, students’ efforts were largely ignored. While this campaign has been a great exercise in teaching students effective group work skills and community activism, students might also benefit from learning how to post and share positive news through social media, blogging and other active outlets using iPad and related Apps. The Positive Social Media Campaign group will be tasked with identifying and sharing positive news stories about Detroit and our university via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the assigned PM's iPad. As the SW 1010 course instructor, I will closely monitor all posts to ensure appropriateness. Using iPad, the Positive Social Media campaign is designed to teach students responsible use of technology and social media, how to engage in positive community action, and exposure to a variety of online tools to enhance their practice as social workers in training. Project 3: Adopt our Women’s Athletics Program – Women’s collegiate athletics at our university and other institutions have traditionally received fewer spectators/supporters at events than their male counterparts. To address the challenge associated with supporting and encouraging women in athletics on our campus, a SW 1010 PM group will adopt one-two women’s sports teams and will support them through game attendance and active engagement. This group will video-tape game segments and conduct interviews with interested athletes and coaches using the iPad. This group will chronicle and share their experiences with the athletes through the development of a video presentation highlighting the season. The end video product will be presented during the final SW 1010 class and will also be shared with the campus community during our Annual CyberSummit held in March each year. Athletes, coaches, Athletic Directors and the general campus community will be invited to attend the Summit.  This Project is designed to engage SW 1010 students in campus & student life, encourage broad support of an underrepresented population (women in collegiate athletics), and facilitate active use of technology (iPad) in community activism/awareness building. Project 4: Cyberbully Prevention & Responsible Use of Social Media - SW 1010 students assigned to this group project will develop a Cyberbully Prevention and responsible use of social media campaign on our campus designed to encourage responsible use of technology among college students. This PM group, using the iPad will: 1) conduct research and identify community resources to assist college students, faculty and staff experiencing Cyberbullying (this information will be shared with the Dean of Students Office and will be shared electronically on social media sites, such as Twitter, Facebook, and others); 2) create a Public Service Announcement video using iPad related to the group project involving all group members to be posted on YouTube from the iPad; and 3) work closely with the SSW CyberMentors to help plan/market the Annual CyberSummit (usually held in March). Through the above experiences students will learn how to be effective users/consumers of social media and mobile technologies, and enhance their public speaking and verbal communication skills as they will be engaging multiple populations on and around the campus providing information about responsible use of social media and cyberbully prevention using the iPad device. Project 5: Create a Weebly Website focused on the use of technology in Social Work practice.   This group will be responsible for creating a SW 1010 Weebly website and later managing the site using iPad. The Weebly will contain research on U.S. and world-wide efforts related to the use of Internet and mobile technologies in direct social work practice, such as using Facetime to provide remote counseling, use of virtual treatment techniques, such as Second Life, SnowWorld and others. Through the above experiences students will increase their levels of comfort using iPad technology in group work, will learn about a new area of social work practice called “Cyber Social Work” (delivering support services via the Internet), and will learn how to build a website and later manage the website using iPad. SW 1010 Digital Activism & Community Engagement Project – Peer Mentors Previously, our SSW provided PMs with SW related course textbooks in exchange for their service, up-to a maximum of $500 per semester (per PM). The SSW will now purchase an iPad for each PM in addition to electronic (e) textbooks for each PM that may be accessed on their iPad. Purchasing e-textbooks will allow the SSW to obtain additional textbooks and other course related materials they may not otherwise have been able to afford given the textbook cap of $500 per semester, per PM. While e-textbooks are less expensive, some PMs may prefer paper textbooks. If interested, PMs can purchase on their own those traditional physical texts they wish to retain in their libraries as e-textbooks are usually only accessible 6-8 months (depending on the publisher). Providing PMs regular use of an iPad will: 1) increase their access to electronic data and resources for their own education as students 2) improve communication with their individual students/PM groups and SW 1010 course instructor using email, text messaging, and other tools 3) improve their awareness, knowledge, and direct use of iPad technology in social work practice

Smell Roses, Not Technology

I am writing this month's post while enjoying a much needed two week "vacation". I placed vacation in quotes, because for many of us while we may be physically away from our work offices, we have several personal projects we find ourselves working feverishly to complete while away. Vacations are intended to mark a time for renewal and rejuvenation, an opportunity to set aside employer related obligations and tasks in order to allow our brains and bodies time to rest and rebuild. I had been looking forward to taking time away from the office to engage in introspection and relaxation. As a social worker I recognize the importance of self-care, but realize I don't always do this well.

I now find myself quickly approaching the end of my first two weeks of summer vacation (will be taking an additional two weeks off in late June-early July) and am feeling more relaxed and clear. While I filled my "vacation" with a multitude of personal projects, including writing two grant proposals and creating a new website for my small business, I think I'll spend my last few days sitting in a movie theater eating nachos with hot peppers. I'll also try to sleep a little later (until 8:00am) and maybe even cook a real meal for my husband that doesn't require a box or takeout.

While I spent much of my first two week vacation using my computer and other forms of technology, I have  allowed myself some time to rest and relax. As you prepare to take your summer vacation, please do take time away from technology and social media to smell the roses and appreciate the goodness life has to offer.

Top 30 Blogs for Social Workers 2012

 

In this month's blog I would like to issue a special thank you to Best Social Work Programs (bestsocialworkprograms.com) for their acknowledgement of social workers that take time each day, week, and month to share their professional training and thoughts through  Blogging. 

Cyber Social Worker was acknowledged in the News, Resources, and Editorial Blogs section. Please take time and visit http://www.bestsocialworkprograms.com/top-30-blogs-for-social-workers-2012/ to learn more about the work of other social workers that Blog on a variety of interesting and unique topics. The Bloggers range in experience from seasoned professionals to students enrolled in social work degree programs. I have personally enjoyed reading many of these Blogs for several years, while others I have only recently learned about.

For your convenience, I have cut and pasted directly from the Best Social Work Programs' website others in the category in which Cyber Social Worker appears. The live links will allow you to go directly to the Blogs of those honored. Happy reading, and do leave a comment on our Blogs, we would love to interact with you and expand our network of social workers across the world.

News, Resources, and Editorial Blogs

1.National Association of Social Workers Blog is the blog of one of the primary advocacy organizations for those in the social work profession. The blog posts are written by highly regarded practitioners and academics in the social work field.
Highlight: The School Social Work Toolkit

2. The New Social Worker is the companion blog of the magazine that shares its name. The blog focuses on updating the readers of the magazine with news, information, and articles in between the issues.
Highlight: How to Bring Conversations to a Screeching Halt

3. The Social Work Blog is a collaborative effort featuring articles from some of the top practitioners and thinkers in British social work. Though British, this blog contains content that can be applied internationally.
Highlight: Should Civil Servants be Required to Spend Five Days With a Social Worker?

4. Everyone Needs Therapy is a multidisciplinary blog that focuses on posting in depth articles that have to do with some of the most prevalent mental health issues of the day. The blog is editorial in style and not meant as a replacement for therapy, but to help people understand that they are not alone.
Highlight: Marissa Mayer and Employee Morale

5. Social Work World features editorial style posts that consider the implications of current events from a social worker’s perspective. The blog is designed to be appealing to social workers at all levels, from students to retirees.
Highlight: Mental Health and Gun Control: Anything New?

6. Christina’s Considerations features articles focused on the major issues facing hospital social workers, including issues of workplace effectiveness, enhancing the patient experience, and keeping up with the innovations in health information technology.
Highlight: Changes to HIPAA Impacting Healthcare Covered Entities and Business Associates

7. Theravive is the editorial style blog about life and living, written by multiple M.A, M.S.W, and Phd contributors, who are primarily marriage therapists but deal with a broad range of issues such as parenting, anxiety, depression, conflict, boundaries and more, most of which will be very helpful to social workers on several levels.
Highlight: Saying “I’m Sorry” Can Be a Powerful Parenting Tool

8. Social Work Tech Blog features the writings of social worker Ignacio Pacheco and is a great resource for anyone interested in integrating technology into their jobs as social workers and other related fields. Most of the resources he shares are free or low cost.
Highlight: DSM-5: Five Things to Hope For

9. Cyber Social Worker deals with the challenges of new technology and personal use of social media facing social workers. The blog also covers innovations, and strategies for keeping your private life private on the internet.
Highlight: Is Online Privacy an Oxymoron?

The Internet and Social Media Can Impact Mental Health, Really!

I would like to personally thank Jack Dorsey (Twitter founder) and Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook founder), as well as the academic researchers in the early 1950s credited with bringing the Internet to the masses. The Internet and Social Media have reduced communication barriers, enhanced work/personal productivity, and ushered in new advances in medical treatments, and other ground breaking improvements.

As a practicing social worker in higher education and small business owner, it is important for me to uphold the standards of the profession, while adhering to the Code of Ethics. The profession directs us to practice in areas in which we have been trained; however, I find there are very few venues that provide hands-on training opportunities for social workers interested in delivering mental health services in an online or technology based environment.

I recently learned (by conducting my own research on the Internet) of Virtual Reality Treatment (VRT) models used with those suffering chronic pain not fully controlled through medication. VRT is rooted in technology and was developed as a treatment approach by University of Washington (U of W) researchers. U of W researchers created a VRT game called SnowWorld (just Google SnowWorld to learn more) used primarily with patients experiencing severe burns. SnowWorld VRT helps distract individuals engaging in painful burn rehabilitation/treatment from experiencing their pain through the use of sensory flooding (visual, auditory, and kinestetic) via an innovative video game. The research and findings related to VRT is simply amazing.

This is one example of how technology can be used in medical treatment, but VRT has also been found to be efficacious in mental health treatment as well.  Still another tool rooted in technology (Internet) that has been found to be effective in the treatment of motor challenges, depression, and others is "Second Life". Second Life allows users to engage in support services through the use of avatars. There are quite a few universities in the U.S. and abroad that have conducted research in the use of Second Life as a treatment model, including Case Western Reserve University, Drexel, and others.

I would like to encourage my fellow social workers to consider exploring the use of innovative treatment models rooted in the Internet and Social Media that have been researched and deemed effective in the treatment of mental and physical health challenges.

Social Work Virtual Internships: Great Way to Learn

In this blog I often focus on personal and professional reinvention and following your dreams. Recently, through my work with my virtual intern I learned about a new website dedicated to placing individuals in virtual/cyber internships. I learned that individuals interested in exploring a myriad of new careers can serve as interns in the virtual world. While I have been supervising a virtual intern in my School of Social Work since November 2012, I never quite realized just how popular virtual internships are, and that some of these positions in the human services field are paid.

Virtual/Cyber internships can be a wonderful way to gain new experience in an untethered environment, and can be especially attractive to potential interns and employers as there are no restrictions geographically based on location.

I would like to strongly encourage any licensed (and insured) human service professional who is in need of staffing support to consider hiring a social work student as a virtual intern. Virtual interns can be secured by approaching accredited schools of social work and asking if they would be willing to place a student under your supervision. You will likely need a MSW degree, licensure in your state, and professional liability insurance. It should be noted very few schools of social work have  embraced the idea of virtual internships, but I believe the time is very near. As the social work field continues to grow, we must be willing to expand the way we view social work training and the delivery of services. Social Work virtual internships are a great way to learn.

Is Online Privacy an Oxymoron?

Given my love of most things involving technology and my personal experiences with cyber-bullying, I recognize the need to regularly monitor my presence both personally and professionally in cyberspace. While I Google myself several times each month to maintain an awareness of content involving my name and accounts, each time I conduct a search I become more and more amazed with the level of personal information now easily accessible by anyone with the time or interest in gathering data.

I, like millions of others pay my bills, purchase concert/sporting event tickets, and engage in a myriad of other activities online. I am very careful to protect my identity/accounts, but recently I have begun to think where our world may be headed in regard to our use of technology and open access to information. I enjoy being able to secure information on almost any subject in a matters of seconds. While I have come to enjoy this free open access, I have not given much thought to the price we may be paying for it in terms of personal cyber-security and personal safety. Last year I loaded a free App on my iPhone that allows the user to conduct free background checks. When I loaded the App I didn't give it much thought, because I was only interested in using the App as a tool to monitor information about myself and my husband (he too is interested in reducing his cyber risk).

The information I was able to gather from this App about myself was impressive (as it was incredibly accurate) and unsettling at the same time. The free "Background Check" App not only provided an amazing amount of information about me, but it also provided detailed personal information about each of my siblings (and their spouses), and my husband and his immediate family, even though I only entered my name and state of residence in the App's information fields.

The digital age is thriving and here to stay. It will continue to advance by leaps and bounds, but as users we must begin to push for standards of use, specifically related to online personal privacy. Within society there are expectations and standards for appropriate behavior; the Internet should not be treated any differently and should also follow standards. I can't accept the rationale that the Internet and technology tools are advancing too quickly for policymakers to keep up and develop legislation to govern and guide our behaviors. While the Internet is quickly evolving there are new companies born by the minute with the ability to access and share data previously inaccessible; this evolution is occurring in part based on financial rewards and the public's desire for instant access to information.

I am hopeful that as we continue to enjoy the Internet and its many benefits and opportunities for personal growth and development that we will also begin to seriously establish legislation that is fluid enough to adapt to the changing world of the Internet. I am also hopeful that we will continue to develop and offer effective tools to help individuals maintain personal privacy in the digital age. I would be disappointed to think in this incredible age of technology that Online Privacy is an Oxymoron.

SW Intrapreneurship or SW Entrepreneurship: You Decide

Many individuals have dreams and aspirations of one day owning their own business and this is no different for professional social workers. Social Workers are skilled in the science of collaboration, resource allocation, and problem solving. Effective critical thinking is the cornerstone of our education and fear is typically not in our lexicon. Social Workers understand the influence of social and economic issues and the impact on human functioning. We are often economically conservative (frugal) and skilled practitioners in the art of stretching limited funds for the greater good. These are tremendous attributes to have as social entrepreneurs.

Even though economic challenges continue to persist on a local, national and international level, this uncertainty presents a multitude of opportunities for Social Workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Social Work profession is expected to increase by 25% by 2020. While Social Work is one of the fastest growing careers, Social Workers have not been exempt from layoffs, downsizing, mergers, and organizational closers. Economically challenging times, such as those we currently live in while unpredictable and a bit scary at times, are fertile grounds of opportunity for Social Workers.

Social Workers are well suited for roles in social entrepreneurship given our group work skills (networking), innate creativity, understanding of ecological and economic systems, and genuine desire to e/affect change. If you are a Social Worker interested in becoming a social entrepreneur, and you are currently employed, I would first strongly encourage you to spend some time honing your skills as an Intrapreneur. An Intrapreneur is an individual who is currently employed by someone else (this person does not yet own their own business), but in their current position has a great deal of freedom and decision making power to a/effect social change. The Intrapreneur is able to bring creative/innovative ideas/services to their current place of employment, and these ideas may even produce additional income. An Intrapreneur applies many of the same skills and acumen a sole business owner would, except the Intrapreneur is not the owner of the business.

For example, as a Social Worker within a college setting I have been afforded a great deal of freedom to create products, services, and activities I believe will enhance student life. The products and services I tend to create focus on enhancing students' quality of life on campus, but at the same time have the potential to make money (intrapreneurship). One of the products I developed and test marketed on campus was a motivational line of greeting cards for college students. Some of the money I generated from  greeting card sales was donated to one of the student organizations I worked with, which is social intrapreneurship. I even successful negotiated with our college bookstore to carry my line of greetings cards. Regrettably, before I could get my cards on the shelves of the bookstore its parent company terminated contracts with its greeting card vendors. While this relationships was not to be, it confirmed the idea of social intrapreneurship is a viable one that is easily transferable. 

If you are interested in entrepreneurship, my advice is to use your time wisely. If you are currently employed by someone else use this time to test market your ideas and risk tolerance. Do not compete with the services/products your employer offers, but instead seek opportunities to hone your skills and test market your ideas under the umbrella of social intrapreneurship.
  
You might be surprised, social intrapreneurship may not only enhance the social functioning of others, it might also lead you to a lifelong opportunity you hadn't considered. Social Work Intrapreneurship or Social Work Entrepreneurship, the decision is ultimately yours. This is the beauty of social work!