Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The online use and evaluation of GROWW

GROWW.org

GROWW is a non-profit organization that stands for "Grief Recovery Online (founded by) Widows & Widowers.” The mission of the organization is to provide specific online resources for grieving individuals. The website allows its members to chat with other members, while providing supervision so that support groups do not enter into dangerous psychological mindsets. GROWW also supplies outside resources and message boards to provide additional support and fellowship.

Content
The content of GROWW is accurate and appropriate for individuals going through the grieving process.
Both reading level and vocabulary are appropriate for the intended adult user of GROWW. The website does not offer various levels of instruction for varied abilities, but does provide a diverse spectrum of resources to help grieving individuals in different ways.

Technical Aspects
GROWW uses the unique capabilities of the computer through the use of the Internet to connect with individuals across nations. Sounds can only be turned off through a user’s computer and the website does not maintain records of user progress. Instructions for use are quite clear and the website can be navigated easily.

Design
The website design of GROWW is somewhat bare; however, being a nonprofit organization it makes sense that time and resources would not be spent on creating a flashy website. The screen format is consistent, but there is definitely room for improvement in the planning of the design format.

Support
GROWW offers many opportunities for clear and comprehensive support. You can print materials from the website and many suggestions are provided for additional support.

Motivation
The website is very easy to use, easy to get started as a member, and it seems to be a good place for grieving individuals to receive online support.

Things I Liked: I liked the fact that the organization is a nonprofit, that it provides many different options to bring support to the grieving community, that the online discussion forums are monitored, and that there are specialized sections to find members dealing with the same kind of grief.

Things I Disliked: The only thing I disliked about the GROWW website is the unorganized look of the website itself.

Overall Recommendation: I would definitely recommend this website to grieving individuals who are seeking online support tools.

Professional Application: This is a great website to recommend to grieving clients. Personally, because I plan to work in an elementary school setting, I see myself using this particular site to refer parents of students who are struggling with grief and who express interest in an online support group.

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