ERIC Number: EJ807043
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1049-7315
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Available Date: N/A
Reducing the Digital Divide for Children in Foster Care: First-Year Evaluation of the Building Skills-Building Futures Program
Finn, Jerry; Kerman, Ben; LeCornec, Juliette
Research on Social Work Practice, v15 n6 p470-480 2005
Objective: This article describes the first-year evaluation outcomes of a program developed to increase information technology access and skills among foster children and families within the context of a long-term foster care environment. Method: A sample of 34 foster families who received computers, Internet connection, and supportive services was compared with 30 foster families not in the program using survey methods and a posttest only design. Results: The results indicated after a year in the program, foster families increased their frequency of computer use, confidence in using computers and the Internet, and frequency of e-mail with social workers. Parents and foster children perceived the program to be useful in improving children's technology skills, homework, grades, and interest in technology-related careers. Conclusion: The program appears to be successful in spite of lack of full implementation of the program model. Implications for future digital divide programs are discussed. (Contains 4 tables.)
Descriptors: Information Technology, Internet, Social Work, Foster Care, Program Evaluation, Access to Computers, Electronic Mail, Technological Literacy, Homework, Grades (Scholastic), Program Descriptions
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
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