School social workers' use of computer technology to expand school-based mental health services: An exploratory study

This study fills a gap in the School Social Work knowledge base by examining the transfer and adoption of advanced computer technology into school social work practice for the delivery of school-based mental health services with particular interest in (1) school social workers' overall use of computer technology; (2) their use of this technology to deliver and expand access to school-based mental health services; and, (3) user, technology and organizational factors that influence their usage, including technology transfer issues. Simpson's (2002) model of program change and Roger's Diffusion of Innovation Theory (1995) served as a basis for discussion positing that there are several steps necessary for technology transfer to take place. The methodology is survey research. An 8 page survey was developed and sent to a national sample of school social workers in K--12 settings (respondents N=258). The findings of this study suggest that some innovative school social workers appear to be in the early stages of using computers to expand access to school-based mental health services. The data demonstrate that school social workers are presented with a complex array of issues and obstacles as they attempt to take advantage of the benefits of technology in a school setting. This research reinforces that there are advantages to paying detailed attention to the transfer process of computer technology into the culture of school social work. The summary provides a discussion of the implications of computer use for school social workers and suggestions for further research.