Human Services Technology: Understanding, Designing, and Implementing Computer and Internet Applications in the Social Services

by Slavin; Simon

• ISBN13: 9780789009432
• ISBN10: 0789009439
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 1999-10-14
• Publisher: CRC Press

Summary

Featuring new and updated information on computer technologies, including networking and using the Internet as a necessary tool for professionals, Human Services Technology: Understanding, Designing, and Implementing Computer and Internet Applications in the Social Services will help individual human service professionals and agencies understand, design, implement, and manage computer and Internet applications. Combining several relevant fields, this informative guide provides you with the knowledge to effectively collect, store, manipulate, and communicate information to better serve clients and successfully manage human service agencies.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(4)
Assumptions	4	(3)
Organization of Chapters	7	(4)
PART I: BASIC CONCEPTS AND HISTORY
Personal Views of Human Service Technology	11	(20)
Introduction	11	(1)
Information Technology As Seen by a Person with a Disability	11	(2)
Information Technology As Seen by an Executive Secretary in a Mental Health Association	13	(2)
Information Technology As Seen by a Clinician in a Mental Health Center	15	(4)
Information Technology As Seen by the Director of Information Management at a Local State Department Office	19	(3)
Information Technology As Seen by the Executive Director of a Multiprogram Home Health Agency	22	(4)
Information Technology As Seen by a United Way Committee Member	26	(3)
Conclusion	29	(1)
Review and Discussion Questions	29	(2)
Basic Concepts and Historical Context	31	(32)
Introduction	31	(1)
Basic Concepts of Human Services IT	32	(10)
Introduction to IT	42	(5)
Historical Perspective	47	(5)
Societal Impact	52	(3)
Information Use in Human Service Delivery	55	(3)
Conclusion	58	(1)
Review and Discussion Questions	59	(4)
PART II: APPLICATIONS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE HUMAN SERVICES
Professional Generic Applications and Assistive Technology	63	(20)
Introduction	63	(1)
Generic Applications	63	(5)
Research Applications	68	(1)
Education Applications	69	(9)
Assistive Technology	78	(4)
Conclusion	82	(1)
Review and Discussion Questions	82	(1)
Management Applications	83	(30)
Introduction	83	(1)
Historical Perspective	83	(3)
Data Processing Applications	86	(1)
Information Systems	87	(4)
Knowledge-Based Applications	91	(10)
Decision Support Applications	101	(5)
Performance Support Applications	106	(4)
Conclusion	110	(1)
Review and Discussion Questions	111	(2)
Human Services IT Applications	113	(30)
Introduction	113	(1)
Policymaking Level	113	(2)
Community Level	115	(4)
Agency Management Level	119	(3)
Direct Service Level: Helping Practitioners Manage and Report Work	122	(3)
Direct Service Level: Supporting Practitioner-Client Interactions	125	(8)
Client Level	133	(5)
Conclusion	138	(1)
Review and Discussion Questions	139	(4)
PART III: DESIGNING, DEVELOPING, AND IMPLEMENTING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
The Process of Developing IT Applications	143	(38)
Introduction	143	(1)
Basic Concepts	144	(4)
The Application Design and Development Process	148	(10)
Tools, Techniques, and Skills	158	(10)
Development Issues	168	(9)
Conclusion	177	(2)
Review and Discussion Questions	179	(2)
Applying Systems and Decision-Making Theories	181	(30)
Introduction	181	(1)
Systems	182	(11)
Decision Making	193	(11)
Implications of Systems and Decision-Making Theories	204	(5)
Conclusion	209	(1)
Review and Discussion Questions	210	(1)
Assessing Human Service Information Needs	211	(28)
Introduction	211	(1)
Organizational Influences on Human Service Information Needs	211	(9)
Influences of Human Service Processes and Decision Making on Information Needs	220	(10)
Implications of Information Needs on IT Design and Development	230	(8)
Conclusion	238	(1)
Review and Discussion Questions	238	(1)
Hardware and Software Influences on IT Development	239	(34)
Introduction	239	(1)
Hardware Basics	239	(6)
Hardware Functions	245	(5)
Hardware Components	250	(4)
Software Basics	254	(15)
Implications for System Design and Development	269	(2)
Conclusion	271	(1)
Review and Discussion Questions	272	(1)
Database Management Influences on IT Development	273	(32)
Introduction	273	(1)
Database Management Basics	274	(16)
Managing Data	290	(3)
Data Management Software	293	(5)
Designing a DBMS	298	(4)
Implications of Data Management for IT Design and Development	302	(1)
Conclusion	303	(1)
Review and Discussion Questions	303	(2)
Networking, Telecommunications, and Internet Influences on IT Development	305	(30)
Introduction	305	(1)
Networking Basics	305	(7)
Types of Networks	312	(4)
Network Activities	316	(6)
Cyberspace	322	(7)
Implications of Networking for IT Development	329	(2)
Conclusion	331	(1)
Review and Discussion Questions	331	(4)
PART IV: MAINTAINING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Managing, Supporting, and Evaluating IT Applications	335	(38)
Introduction	335	(1)
Basic Concepts	336	(4)
Information Management Issues	340	(3)
Reviewing IT Performance	343	(12)
Guidelines for Success	355	(15)
Conclusion	370	(1)
Review and Discussion Questions	371	(2)
Trends, Issues, and the Future	373	(36)
Introduction	373	(1)
Society	373	(5)
Policy Formulation and Analysis	378	(2)
Administrative Practice	380	(5)
Community Practice	385	(2)
Individual, Family, and Group Practitioners	387	(5)
Educators	392	(7)
Researchers and IT Developers	399	(2)
Clients	401	(5)
Conclusion	406	(2)
Review and Discussion Questions	408	(1)
Glossary	409	(18)
References	427	(14)
Author Index	441	(4)
Subject Index	445