Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online groups
What will be an ideal response?
Groups that take place online or through other electronic media require special attention and novel intervention strategies. Social workers are increasingly utilizing technological advances to enhance the delivery of services to clients individually and through groups. Persons who are homebound, are concerned about the stigma of receiving services, or find attendance at agency settings difficult may be able to experience the support and benefit of groups through texts, email, or the Internet (Harris, 1999; Hollander, 2001). The nature of typed, asynchronous communication means that members have more control and time for reflection as they craft their responses. In addition, they can participate in the virtual group at their convenience (Fingeld, 2000 ) and with a high degree of anonymity (Meier, 2002). However, participation may be stymied by Internet provider system problems and by trust issues, especially with "lurkers" (those who read mail but do not post to the group) and with participants' actual level of engagement with the process. Online group facilitators must assure through informed consent that members understand the risks and benefits of such a model (ASWB, 2015).
Technological innovations have also brought significant changes to task groups. Such groups are no longer bound by geographic constraints; work teams, committees, coalitions, and classes can be conducted electronically. Webcasts, conference calls, and other technology-enhanced methods can save time and travel costs, provide access to expert consultation, and efficiently respond to crises and evolving circumstances in the practice environment. Recent innovations in group work involve the use of web-based virtual reality experiences to bring group members together and foster interaction in a safe environment. In one example, rural elementary school students learned various social skills in a typical group setting, but then used a multiuser virtual environment (MUVE) to test and practice skills through avatars (Baker, Parks-Savage, & Rehfuss, 2009). In another example, social work students participated in peer-to-peer learning through a virtual community in which challenging situations could be posted and addressed by fellow students (Davis & Goodman, 2014). Rotondi and colleagues (2005 ) successfully utilized "telehealth" groups to assist individuals with schizophrenia and their family members. Technology-mediated groups are also well suited for people seeking support on a 24/7 basis, such as grieving parents who may log in to share feelings and seek help at any hour of the day or night (Edwards, 2007).
You might also like to view...
Self-disclosure is most appropriate during the group’s initial sessions
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.
Along with the achievement of insight, the processes of working through and ______ are considered three specific processes that facilitate change in psychodynamic therapy
a. reintegrating split-off parts of the ego b. sublimation c. reciprocal introjection d. warding off libidinal and aggressive impulses
Managing stress on the job can be done through:
a. individuals learning to hold back their concerns and deal with any problems on their own b. individuals communicating their concerns assertively to managers c. individuals threatening to go above their manager's head if the problems don't go away d. all of the above
During Medicaid’s first 30 years of operation, its costs increased because of
A. an expanded pool of beneficiaries. B. inflation in medical prices. C. states transferring clients onto Medicaid. D. all of these.