New digital video archive under development

In collaboration with the Practicum Partnership Program and the Columbia University Center for New Media Teaching and Learning, two faculty from Columbia, Denise Burnette, Ph.D., and Tazuko Shibusawa, Ph.D. have developed a unique video tool designed to enhance the teaching and learning of best practices in geriatric social work. This important work was funded, in part, by the John A. Hartford Foundation.

The project has developed, and is now evaluating, a learning module using four-five digital videotaped interviews with older adults conducted by expert geriatric social workers. The project aims to: (1) enhance students' integration and application of knowledge and skills for geriatric social work practice; (2) introduce cutting-edge technological innovations into social work practice education, focusing on aging-related content; and 3) develop a powerful, highly flexible educational product for national dissemination.

Topics covered in the interviews include: nursing home life for persons with Alzheimer's Disease, sexuality and aging, living with chronic, life-threatening health conditions, late-life depression and diversity in aging. The interviews and accompanying curricular materials will be available via the Internet on secured university websites and compact disc.

For more information, contact Denise Burnett Ph.D. at jdb5@columbia.edu.