Tools for Transformation

Funded Proposals

Electronic Commons

School of Social Work

While the School of Social Work is a dynamic center for human services education, training, research and community service, we are seeking to expand our community outreach and electronic instruction capabilities to improve service delivery. Our strategic plan goals emphasize increased collaboration in partnership with the larger community, especially K-20 and human service agencies serving historically disadvantaged communities. We also seek to achieve a greater integration of teaching, research and service through such partnerships. Consistent with these goals, many of these partnerships involve the use of information technology for teaching, training and delivery of services (For example, our other Tools initiatives--Educational Partnerships and Outcomes Based Management Research). Such partnerships will not only improve the quality of students' learning, but also benefit agencies and community groups which are partnering with us in electronic instruction, community-based service and practice-based research.

The funding of the electronic capability for our new multipurpose room is a tangible means to support these goals. The electronic commons will be used for the following purposes:

1. To provide access and outreach to a broad base of community groups and agencies, including electronically based partnerships around common practice needs.
2. To expand continuing education and child welfare training to human service practitioners.
3. To more effectively utilize educational technology in the preparation of professional degree students (BASW and MSW; evening degree and distance learning programs on the Olympic Peninsula).

Tools for Transformation's funding has supported the design, configuration and infrastructure for the installation of state-of-the-art computer and audio-visual equipment. These also provided a match for a request to Boeing's Office of Educational Resources for an additional $100,000 to support the Electronics Classroom. We are still awaiting word from Boeing about the funding of our proposal in order to purchase the remaining equipment. The School's Visiting Committee has also contributed gifts toward electronic equipment for the Commons.

Progress Report, October 1999:

Summary of Project:

The School of Social Work seeks to expand its community outreach and electronic instruction capabilities to improve service delivery. Our strategic plan goals emphasize increased collaboration in partnership with the larger community, especially K-20 and human service agencies serving historically disadvantaged communities. We also seek to achieve a greater integration of teaching, research and service through such partnerships. Consistent with these goals, many of these partnerships involve the use of information technology for teaching, training and delivery of services (For example, our other Tools initiatives--Educational Partnerships and Outcomes Based Management Research). Such partnerships will not only improve the quality of students' learning, but also benefit agencies and community groups which are partnering with us in electronic instruction, community-based service and practice-based research.

The funding of the electronic capability for our new multipurpose room is a tangible means to support these goals. The electronic commons will be used for the following purposes:

1. To provide access and outreach to a broad base of community groups and agencies, including electronically based partnerships around common practice needs.
2. To expand continuing education and child welfare training to human service practitioners.
3. To more effectively utilize educational technology in the preparation of professional degree students (BASW and MSW; evening degree and distance learning programs on the Olympic Peninsula).

Tools for Transformation's funding is supporting the design, configuration and infrastructure for the installation of state-of-the-art computer and audio-visual equipment. These funds also provide a match for a request to Boeing's Office of Educational Resources for an additional $100,000 to support the Electronics Classroom. The School's Visiting Committee has also contributed gifts toward electronic equipment for the Commons.

Summary of Project Progress: April-October, 1999

We are still awaiting word from Boeing regarding funding of our proposal and continue to work with the Vice president of Operations at Boeing (a member of our Visiting Committee) to garner support for our request. In the meantime, we have worked closely with staff from UW Design Services and AEI to specify all equipment needs and specific plans for design, installation and integration of equipment to be purchased and installed with Tools for Transformation funds. This equipment will be installed in the School's new multipurpose room, breakout rooms, and audiovisual control room. Requirements to be met by our AV contractor have been delineated (e.g., concerning operating manuals, owner training, equipment, cables, installation, programming, testing and documentation).

Next steps include sending the TfT-funded portion of the project out to bid; selecting a contractor; and purchasing and installing equipment, to be in place by Winter Quarter.

Tools for Transformation Funded Proposals

The Provost's Office
provost@u.washington.edu
Modified: January 26, 2000