About
Christian is a Lecturer at the Indiana University School of Social Work having been a member of the faculty since January 2020. He teaches coursework on Telebehavioral Health Practice within the MSW program and utilizes e-simulations designed to enhance student clinical practice skills in a virtual setting. He is interested in enhancing e-Social Work distance education through program development and technology design as well as utilizing technology-based interventions within clinical social work.
Education
MS
Emphasis/Major: Master of Social Work2016 - Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
BS
Emphasis/Major: Bachelor Social Work2012 - Indiana University
Research Interests
Distance Education Technologies in relation to e-Social Work practice, the use of Social Media technology in social work practice, e-Simulation, the use of Artificial Intelligence in mental health care and Social Work Education.
Teaching Interests
Telebehavioral and e-social work practice, the use of e-simulations in student learning and assessment.
Awards and Honors
- Early Career Teaching Academy Fellow
2020 - IUPUI Center for Teaching and Learning
Publications
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Wolfe-Taylor, S. N., Khaja, K., & Deck, C. K. (2023). Bridging Education and Practice with e-OSCE Simulations (pp. 163-168). NASW Press. View Publication For Bridging Education and Practice with e-OSCE Simulations
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Wolfe-Taylor, S. N., Khaja, K., Wilkerson, D. A., & Deck, C. K. (2022). The Future of Online Social Work Education: Developing, Implementing, and Assessing e-Simulations. Advances in Social Work, 22(2). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.18060/24912
Advances in technology, an increase in non-traditional students, a new generation of e-learners, the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on education and practice, and the emergence of greater practitioner and client adoption of telebehavioral health present opportunities and challenges for curricular innovation in schools of social work. e-Simulations are reliable, valid, authentic high impact practices that address these challenges and prepare students for a future where social workers are called upon to adopt telebehavioral practice. Although there is literature on the development, implementation, and assessment of simulation-based learning in social work education, much of the literature explores the use of simulations in face-to-face social work education. Provided is a guide for educators and administrators on developing, implementing, and assessing online simulations (e-simulations) in social work education.
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Wilkerson, D. A., Wolfe-Taylor, S. N., Deck, C. K., Wahler, E. A., & Davis, T. S. (2020). Telebehavioral practice basics for social worker educators and clinicians responding to COVID-19. Social Work Education, 39(8), 1137-1145. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2020.1807926
Social Work’s Grand Challenge to Harness Technology for Social Good calls for educators to reevaluate their role and its significance for the future of social work. Information and communication technology (ICT)-mediated practice methods like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, gamification, and big data, among others, represent a new arena for social work practice. However, educators have been mostly inactive in developing curricula that support student knowledge, training, and decision-making on the adoption of technology for practice. In the United States, the Council on Social Work Education Futures Task Force highlighted this inaction as a matter of critical uncertainty for the field’s future. In contrast, this paper describes how a school of social work rapidly deployed a free, CE training program on the basics of telebehavioral health practice to the social work community to aid their response to COVID-19. The rapid deployment of that training has been distilled as ‘lessons learned’ for those wanting to join in efforts to address the field’s critical uncertainty regarding the adoption of technology. Information is presented about the reach of this training and includes feedback from participants. Additionally, the authors discuss whether COVID-19 can influence social work’s future rate of technology adoption.
Presentations
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Deck, C. K. (2024). Canvas Tips and Tricks for online MSW students. IUSSW.
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Deck, C. K. (2023). Telemental Health and Ethics. CEU Creations.
Even prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the world was moving towards a more online environment including the provision of therapy services. Since COVID-19, there are more professionals practicing through Telemental Health and this number
continues to grow. In Telemental Health there are different considerations than in-person therapy and it is critical that the clinician be well-versed in this area of practice. This training will dive into many facets of Telemental Health – including
intake and assessment, informed consent with sample forms, different types of delivery methods, HIPAA rules including HIPAA compliant platforms and rules around electronic communication, issues that arise with termination of services,
policy changes and updates on COVID policies, risk management, social media ethics, and other ethical considerations.
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Deck, C. K., & Wolfe-Taylor, S. N. (2023). Data management ethics in healthcare. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indianapolis, IN.
Acted as a guest speaker in PBHL-H 474 Health Administration Ethics. Spoke to ethics within data management and ethics in health care leadership settings.
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Deck, C. K. (2023). Digital Citizenship and Ethics (encore presentation).
In this engaging workshop, participants will delve into the ethical standards of digital citizenship, focusing on responsible technology use in today’s interconnected society. Participants will explore crucial topics, including managing online presence, safeguarding privacy, and distinguishing personal use from professional engagement. By examining the ethical considerations related to marketing services and navigating the digital landscape, attendees will gain valuable insights to uphold professional standards while leveraging technology effectively. Join us to enhance your understanding of digital citizenship and equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary for ethical digital engagement.
Christian Deck, MSW, is a Lecturer at the IU School of Social Work and he joined the IUSSW faculty in January 2020. He is a licensed clinical social worker and certified in telemental health clinical practice in Indiana. He teaches coursework on e-Social Work and telehealth practice, and he uses e-simulations to assist learners in advancing their practice skills.
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Deck, C. K. (2023). Digital Citizenship and Ethics.
In this engaging workshop, participants will delve into the ethical standards of digital citizenship, focusing on responsible technology use in today’s interconnected society. Participants will explore crucial topics, including managing online presence, safeguarding privacy, and distinguishing personal use from professional engagement. By examining the ethical considerations related to marketing services and navigating the digital landscape, attendees will gain valuable insights to uphold professional standards while leveraging technology effectively. Join us to enhance your understanding of digital citizenship and equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary for ethical digital engagement.
Christian Deck, MSW, is a Lecturer at the IU School of Social Work and he joined the IUSSW faculty in January 2020. He is a licensed clinical social worker and certified in telemental health clinical practice in Indiana. He teaches coursework on e-Social Work and telehealth practice, and he uses e-simulations to assist learners in advancing their practice skills.
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Deck, C. K., & Wolfe-Taylor, S. N. (2023). Preparing Distance Education Students for Futures Thinking in Social Work Practice.
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Deck, C. K. (2023). Community of Courage: Allyship towards LGBTQ+ Population in Catholic Spaces. Catholic Allies, Inc., Indianapolis, IN.
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Deck, C. K., & Wolfe-Taylor, S. N. (2023). Preparing Social Workers for Futures Thinking in Social Work Practice.
Futures thinking is a creative and exploratory process that uses divergent thinking (Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of New Zealand, 2021) and is a relatively new concept in social work. Futures thinking is a creative and exploratory process, seeking many possible answers and acknowledging uncertainty (Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of New Zealand, 2021). Futures thinking does not attempt to predict the future, nor does it purport that there is only one correct future or that the future is pre-determined (Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of New Zealand, 2021). A resistance to change has been historically present in our field; however, social workers are called to create major societal changes through social justice work. This presentation provide participants with ways social work practitioners can apply futures thinking to create positive societal changes in a tech-driven world. The limitations and implications of futures thinking in social work practice will be presented.
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Deck, C. K. (2022). Social Work Ethics and Boundaries in Social Media and Technology in a Post- 2020 Society. Institute for Strengthening Families , Noblesville, IN United States.
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Deck, C. K. (2022). Telemental Health and Ethics. CEU Creations.
Even prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the world was moving towards a more online environment including the provision of therapy services. Since COVID-19, there are more professionals practicing through Telemental Health and this number continues to grow. In Telemental Health there are different considerations than in-person therapy and it is critical that the clinician be well-versed in this area of practice. This training will dive into many facets of Telemental Health – including intake and assessment, informed consent with sample forms, different types of delivery methods, HIPAA rules including HIPAA compliant platforms and rules around electronic communication, issues that arise with termination of services, policy changes and updates on COVID policies, risk management, social media ethics, and other ethical considerations. Don’t miss this informative training that will provide you with not only “hands-on” information but practical tools that you can implement in your daily Telemental Health practices.
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Wolfe-Taylor, S. N., & Deck, C. K. (2022). E-Social Work Practices: Creating Equitable and Ethical Services During and Post-pandemic.
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Wolfe-Taylor, S. N., & Deck, C. K. (2022). Using Design-based Practices and e-Simulations to Prepare Students for Telehealth Practices. Council on Social Work Education.
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Wolfe-Taylor, S., & Deck, C. K. (2021). Using Technology-Mediated Practices to Address Contemporary Mental Health Challenges in Rural Communities During a Pandemic. California University of Pennsylvania.
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Deck, C. K. (2021). The Realities of Practicing: Using e-OSCEs to Prepare Students for the Field. IUSSW Career Services.
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Deck, C. K. (2020). Embracing asynchronicity in online learning. MSW Direct.
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Wilkerson, D., Wolfe-Taylor, S., & Deck, C. K. (2020). Creating Connection in Online Education: How to Develop Interactive and Engaging e-Learning Opportunities within Canvas. Indiana Association of Social Work Educators .
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Deck, C. K. (2019). Protect the Asset: Self-care and Wellness as a Social Worker. IUSSW Career Services, Indianapolis, IN United States.
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Deck, C. K. (2019). Social work ethics and boundaries: Social media and Technology. Institute For Strengthening Families, Noblesville, IN United States.
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Wilkerson, D., Wolfe-Taylor, S., & Deck, C. K. (2019). e-OSCE Assessments in Social Work Distance Education: Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The Office of Planning and Institutional Improvement at IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN United States.
Institutional Services
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Committee Member
2022 - IUPUI Top 100Provided feedback and scoring for 20 student applications for IUPUI Top 100 -
Other
2022 - Because You Matter: Rural Telehealth & WellbeingIn an effort to raise awareness for the Because You Matter: Rural Telehealth & Wellbeing/Digital Social Work Partnership (https://ssw.iu.edu/dswp/), I helped produce and act in a number of short public service announcements. These videos were created to both explain the parameters of the telehealth program and to call attention to the digital divide in rural communities which is outlined in the grant we received to create the program. These videos were shot in a rural library near Martinsville, IN and can be watched at the above link. -
Student Advisor/Mentor
2022 - Field Instructor of MSW StudentsSupervised, instructed, and support was provided to graduate students in the Masters of Social Work Program at Indiana University on the Bloomington campus as they completed their practicum through the Digital Socialwork Practice grant.
I completed quarterly assessments in the Learning Evaluation Tool (LET) to determine the students' progress and preparation for post-graduation practice. -
Committee Member
2021 - MSW Direct Student Awards Committee -
Attendee, Academic Ceremony/Event
2020 - IUSSW - Indianapolis Campus MSW graduation ceremonyAttended and assisted at MSW graduation ceremonies -
Committee Member
2020 - IUSSW Faculty Senate -
Committee Member
2020 - MSW Curriculum Committee -
Committee Member
2021 - Search and Screen Committee (MSWD Field Coordinator)Member of the search and screen committee for IUPUI MSW field coordinator position -
Other
IUPUI RegattaI represented IUSSW in the 13th Annual IUPUI Regatta as a rower. -
Attendee, Academic Ceremony/Event
2019 - IUPUI Alumni Leaders CeremonyAttended Maynard K. Hine Medal Ceremony (2019, 2021). The ceremony recognizes alumni and volunteer leaders for their contributions in support of the campus and its alumni programs. -
Committee Member
2023 - IUSSW Faculty Senate Secretary -
Committee Member
2024 - NTT P&T Process WorkgroupThis workgroup was created by the Interim Associate Dean to assess the school's promotion process, requirements, support, and guidelines for NTT faculty members. The primary goals for the workgroup are to ensure IUSSW guidelines are in line with University guidelines, and to increase transparency for NTT faculty members seeking promotion. -
Committee Member
2024 - IUPUI Top 100Provided feedback and scoring for 20 student applications for IUPUI Top 100 -
Committee Member
2023 - IUPUI Top 100Provided feedback and scoring for 20 student applications for IUPUI Top 100
Licensure
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Behavioral Health Board -
Licensed Social Worker
Behavioral Health Board -
Certified Telemental Health Provider
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Media Appearance
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Because You Matter: Public Service Announcements
2022 - Website
Read the Story Because You Matter: Public Service Announcements -
Episode 5: Foster Care
2017 - Policy with a Purpose - Podcast
Read the Story Episode 5: Foster Care -
Shortage of therapeutic foster parents in central Indiana
2015 - WISH TV
Read the Story Shortage of therapeutic foster parents in central Indiana
Memberships
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Council on Social Work Education
2023 to Present -
Indiana University LGBTQ+ Alumni Association
2023 to Present -
Online Learning Consortium
2022 to Present -
Indiana University Alumni Association
2018 to Present -
Indiana University School of Social Work Alumni Association Board of Directors
2018 to 2022
Public Services
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Board Member
2022 to 2024 - Catholic Allies, Inc. -
Volunteer
2012 to Present - Christ the King Catholic SchoolVarious volunteer roles - Christ the King Catholic School fosters academic growth in K-8 students by providing opportunities which focus on their individual needs.
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Organizer
to 2023 - Catholic Allies, Inc.The purpose of Catholic Allies is to create a shared space for Catholics to learn how to be loving supporters of the LGBTQ+ community within our homes and within Catholic spaces. Catholic Allies is a nonprofit organization devoted to empowering Catholics and Non-Catholics to learn from the knowledge, skills, gifts, and experiences of a diverse array of insightful speakers, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. A goal of our group is to inspire, educate and entertain people by sharing thought-provoking and respectful dialogue about how we can be both a Catholic and an ally to LGBTQ+ individuals. We aim to provide a safe space to host an ever-evolving array of diverse speakers to promote cross-disciplinary thinking and engage in a respectful, sensitive, and compassionate dialogue about being a Catholic Ally.
Trainings
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Certified in Tele Mental Health (CTMH)
2020 to Present - PESI, Eau Claire, WI, United States