scholarly journals Towards a Research Agenda for Social Work Practice in Virtual Worlds

10.18060/1894 ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott P. Anstadt ◽  
Ashley Burnette ◽  
Shannon Bradley

Due to the unique applications of virtual reality in many modern contexts, Second Life (SL) offers inimitable opportunities for research and exploration. A review of current research regarding SL has examined the influence of real world social influences in online interactions and what the effects on users may be. This suggests the importance of developing an understanding of the relationship between users’ real life and their Second Life, and how the two are related. Some research has begun to reveal the effectiveness of telecommunication and computer simulation with certain clients in the fields of mental health and social work, yet there is a lack of sufficient research done within the context of virtual worlds. The implications for social work intervention in virtual reality could solve persistent concerns with transportation, distance, access to services and education, however questions about the relevance of social work practice in SL and the potential for implementation must be answered.

Author(s):  
Scott P. Anstadt ◽  
Shannon Bradley ◽  
Ashley Burnette ◽  
Lesley L. Medley

<p>Due to the unique applications of virtual reality in many modern contexts, Second Life (SL) offers inimitable opportunities for research and exploration and experiential learning as part of a distance learning curriculum assignment. A review of current research regarding SL examined real world social influences in online interactions and what the effects on users may be. This aids students in understanding the social constructionist perceptions and worldview of those persons they may serve in social services. This suggests the importance of developing an understanding of the relationship between users’ real life (RL) and their SL. Some research has begun to reveal the effectiveness of telecommunication and computer simulation with certain clients in the fields of mental health and social work, yet there is a lack of sufficient research done within the context of virtual worlds. The current study surveyed users of several educationally and health focused SIMS (simulations) as to what motivates their SL and RL interactions. The data explores associations between users’ RL and their SL in several areas,potentially addressing the future role of educating social work students regarding research methodology in online virtual reality interactions. Implications for social work are discussed including engaging clients using incentives for social participation built into the SL milieu.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-29
Author(s):  
Asmar Husein ◽  
Santoso Tri Raharjo ◽  
Eva Nuriyah Hidayat

Social work is a unique relief profession as unique as individuals, groups and societies. Social relations as the main media in performing the art of social work practice. The art of social work practice is an expression of intuition results that creates creativity in dealing with social problems. In this century, it is necessary to show a brand new model of social work practice along with the emergence of contemporary social problems. So that in the Indonesian context, a unique character and characteristic are needed. This journal is a literature review from various sources that aims to present the new concept of the art of social work practice in Indonesia. So far, the science of social work has not been sufficient in dealing with social problems. Here is the urgency and connection between science and the art of social work practice. Thus, the relationship between the two cannot be separated. Because, basically, within the practice of social work lies an art. 


Author(s):  
Esther Grassian ◽  
Rhonda Trueman

Virtual worlds offer synchronous (simultaneous) real life participation through virtual reality, combining the two to provide convenient and low-cost options for librarians’ professional development. This chapter explores the use of virtual worlds for meetings, training, conferences, discussions, mentoring, networking, and peer-to-peer information sharing, with a focus on the 3D virtual world of Second Life. Definitions of “professional development” and “virtual worlds” precede discussion of the issues surrounding the use of this type of environment for a variety of training events and activities to support and encourage ongoing expansion of knowledge, innovation, and creativity among librarians. This chapter also includes information about planning and implementing professional development sessions in this arena, along with information on effective methods for publicizing these activities for parties interested in using virtual worlds for professional development. For those interested in attending professional development opportunities in virtual worlds, the chapter provides information on how to discover and choose useful activities and events in virtual worlds.


Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Segal

This article defines and explains the concept and trait of social empathy and the relationship to interpersonal empathy. Both concepts are explained using the latest cognitive neuroscience research on brain activity. Through brain imaging, the components that together make up the full array of empathy have been identified and are discussed in relation to social work practice. The application of social empathy in the policy-making arena is described, and the implications for social work practice to enhance empathy are discussed.


Author(s):  
Betty Garcia ◽  
Dorothy Van Soest

A firm grasp of the nature of oppression, with its dynamics of power and its systemic character, is required so that social workers can avoid unintended collusion with pervasive oppressive systems if they are to be successful in promoting social and economic justice. Recognizing the relationship between macro-level and micro-level dynamics and their implications for practice is an substantive part of social work practice. This perspective includes attention to the ubiquitousness of privilege and oppression and the potential consequences of ignoring this reality as complicity in and normalizing exclusionary and marginalizing behaviors. This article discusses the concept of oppression, its dynamics and common elements, and anti-oppressive practices that can expose and dismantle oppressive relationships and systemic power arrangements.


1986 ◽  
Vol 67 (8) ◽  
pp. 466-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gretchen H. Waltman

The unique aspects of rural social work practice are discussed, with emphasis on the relationship between rural values and primary social work methods and skills. Suggestions for meeting the professional development needs of rural social workers are presented.


1975 ◽  
Vol 56 (10) ◽  
pp. 587-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith C. Nelsen

Resistance is a most useful sign of something going awry and that clarification of the relationship or issue is needed if service is to continue


1999 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marty Dewees

This paper presents a strategy for introducing empowerment approaches to undergraduate students in social work. At the same time it incorporates a focus on developing student skills in the practice relationship. An emphasis on a strengths-based assessment model as an empowering practice intervention helps students to understand the relationship between individual strengths and a collective empowerment lens. The overall quality of the client/worker relationship is explored as well as particular practice techniques in interviewing. The strategy uses an interactive, experiential exercise format that engages students both in process and content. Instructional goals and a subjective learning evaluation process are discussed. The history of social work practice is replete with metaphors for empowerment. Jane Addams' Hull House, Bertha Capen Reynolds' emphasis on “plain people” (1964), and the inclusion of Freirean “dialogic processes” (1973) represent a few of the efforts that have shaped current social work practice models of empowerment that target oppression. In the reactionary political climate of the 1990s, the call for empowerment approaches has gained nearly as much urgency as oppression itself. This paper will examine the relationship of empowerment principles to social work practice and education and will demonstrate the usefulness of the strengths perspective in making political/empowerment issues relevant to BSW students. It will incorporate Charles Cowger's work on assessment (Cowger, 1992Cowger, 1997) and through it will consider appropriate instructional goals, including skill development necessary to building relationships with clients. Finally, it will describe the link from individual strengths-based relationships to an empowerment stance.


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