Adapting BITB from In-Person to On-Line: Feasibility and Challenges

Question #1:   What is the feasibility of adapting BITB from an in-person prevention strategy to an online module? 

Our Response:            

We designed and evaluated BITB as an in-person bystander intervention prevention strategy. The in-person delivery method allows BITB facilitators to make personal connections with participants; adjust the speed in which they move through the content based on the groups’ readiness to engage in the program; respond directly to victim blaming and false statements about perpetration and victimization; answer questions in real time; and see participants’ reactions to content and experiential exercises. In-person participation also provides participants with the opportunity to work together with their peers to identify proactive bystander intervention strategies, participate in an experiential exercise to develop empathy, as well as process their reactions in a group setting (this builds both connection to others in the training and in the larger community), and learn and practice bystander intervention skills with peers. These are the training conditions, curriculum design and implementation elements under which we have evaluated BITB. All of these components of BITB, the in-person training, contribute to BITB’s effectiveness.  We have not developed or evaluated a BITB online learning module for colleges and high schools.

While it seems like a simple solution to take the BITB in-person curriculum and make it an online module, it is important to know that what works in-person does not always work on-line.  Actually, in general, we know very little about what works in on-line sexual and relationship violence and stalking prevention.  What we do know from cognitive load theory and e-learning instructional design is that effective on-line learning uses multiple communication channels, including interactive web conferences, microlearning opportunities, podcasts, interactive listservs, and social media to build knowledge and skills.

We will be hosting a Virtual Water Cooler session to provide more in-depth content on extended learning components (ELCs, also known as microlearning). Join us Friday, April 3, 2020 at 1:00 EST via Zoom. Details here.

Please feel free to reach out to Jane Stapleton at jane.stapleton@soteriasolutions.org with any questions about this information. If you currently are not enrolled on the BITB listserv, please contact info@soteriasolutions.org and we will enroll you. 

There has been great conversation lately and our staff is working hard to contribute to the conversation and respond to BITB specific questions. We also know that many of you are continuing to provide support to survivors on your campuses and in your communities, and we are grateful to you for the work you are doing during this challenging time. With this in mind, resources are still available to survivors and their loved ones 24/7. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available both through online chat and by phone at 1.800.656.HOPE (4673), and the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available through online chat, by texting LOVEIS to 22522, or by phone at 1.800.799.7233 (TTY: 1.800.787.3224). Both hotlines will direct callers to local resources.

We hope that you all remain safe and well. Thank you again for your continued work to prevent and respond to violence even under these extraordinary circumstances. We look forward to continuing our partnership with you.