LIBRARY
SWK 344 Technology and Social Work: Apps
Intro
Evaluating Potential Apps
When cruising the app store or the Google Play store, keep an eye on for productivity tools, and means of working smarter. There are only so many hours in any one day. If you need help with organizing your day, look for a calendar tool; if you need to store documents, files, etc. and don't want to always carry (and remember to sync) a thumb drive, consider Dropbox, which is a good option if you are on the go a lot, because of the ability to synchronize all devices to the same location. If you will be working with clients, checkout some games that could be used as ice-breakers, and apps that can assist your client when you are not present.
Checklist when evaluating an app for client support:
- Was the app developed by a clinician, medical center, or association, such as APA?
- Has the app been evaluated/tested in a clinical or therapeutic setting?
- Has the app been written about in the professional literature, or in a blog by a licensed clinician, or medical practitioner?
- Has the app been adopted by a local agency or medical professional?
- What do the reviews say?
- What (if any) is the cost to the patient?
Examples of software programs that have been evaluated:
- 2morrowQuit, a smoking cessation app
- Sparx (see below)
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15 apps for social workersAimed at students and practictioners, this website provides a list of apps for social work.
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DropboxIf you need to store documents, files, etc. and don't want to always carry (and remember to sync) a thumb drive, consider Dropbox, which is a good option if you are on the go a lot, because of the ability to synchronize all devices to the same location.
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Google VoiceGoogle Voice– An alternative phone number. If you do not really want to share your personal cell phone number, you no longer have to make that choice. Google Voice will add a second phone line to any mobile phone with a free phone number from the zip code of your choice.
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TrelloWorking on a Group Project? Coaching a client? Add people, tasks, images, links, etc.
Trello can help keep things organized and indicate what has been done, what plans to be done, and what still needs to be done. -
SparxAvailable for Apple and Android. For young adults battling depression.
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MoodToolsDesigned to help individual work with their mental health professional by helping to identifying negative / distorted thinking patterns based on principles from Cognitive Therapy
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HeadspaceMindfulness and Meditation
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SuperBetterGame-Based app to help people with a variety of personal issues, including: adopting a new habit, strengthen a relationship, make a physical or athletic breakthrough, complete a meaningful project, or pursue a lifelong dream, beat depression, overcome anxiety, cope with chronic illness or chronic pain, heal from physical injury, or recover from post-traumatic stress or a divorce or career or school setback and more.