On-Line, Computer-Based, Interactive Simulations: Bridging Classroom and Field

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.

Past, Present, and Future Trends in Teaching Clinical Skills Through Web-Based Learning Environments

“…Seabury and Maple IVD videos (1993) used for clinical skills training were transferred to a Web-based system, allowing students to run through the video exercises from any place with Web connectivity(Seabury, 2003). Based on the apparent success of these videos, the IVDs were integrated into the MSW curriculum at the University ofMichigan.…”

Object Lessons: A “Learning Object” Approach to E-Learning for Social Work Education

“…Whatever the technology, however, learning is the vital element." E-learning is not new to social work education and, despite concerns expressed by some commentators (Hick, 1999;Kreuger & Stretch, 2000), contemporary literature includes many case studies describing the successful integration of learning technology into social work curricula: notably through the use of computer-mediated discussions (for example: Bertera & Littlefield, 2003;Cooper, 2001;Hodge, 2004;Knowles, 2001;Massimo, 2003;Schoech, 2000) and multimedia case material (for example : Evans, Petrakis, & Swain, 2001;Seabury, 2003). However, growing evidence of the value of e-learning, and improvements in the technological infrastructure have not yet led to the widespread adoption of e-learning in social work education.…”