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Computer technology and the 21st Century school counselor

Professional School Counseling - December 1, 2001

Continued from page 3.

Limited training is another obstacle that faces school counselors using multimedia interventions. Implementing computer technology as a counseling strategy requires the necessary equipment and software training. In a study exploring the use of computers in school counseling programs, Owen and Weikel (1999) summarized that "whether they [school counselors] used a computer extensively or not, many respondents felt inadequately prepared to use computers in their work as counselors" (p. 181). There is a need for more technology training for school counselors. Moreover, given the speed with which computer technology is developing, there is also a need for continuous training where counselors can learn and collaborate with one another on new advances (D'Andrea, 1995). School counselors sometimes find it challenging to incorporate technology in new and different ways due to a fear of change and learning new skills. In addition to the lack of technology training for school counselors, there is also a lack of research on utilizing technology with students in counseling interventions. According to D'Andrea (1995), there have been few articles in the professional school counseling literature that focused specifically on practical ways in which school counselors can utilize computers to promote student development.

An additional challenge is the inequality of computer access and resources that faces school counselors and the implementation of technology (Milone, 1999). For example, while some school counselors are learning to create guidance Web sites listing student requirements and a calendar of events, it must be noted that not every family will have access to this information. Not all students have the same access to computer technology and this can affect how much information they receive (Vargas, 1995).

Conclusion

Computer technology has changed the way professional school counselors must fulfill their role (Myrick, 1997). These changes incorporate the many ways information is retrieved and disseminated to others such as utilizing e-mail, videoconferencing, Web pages, online journals, and newsletters. Computer technology has opened the doors to distance learning through videoconferencing and online high schools and provided different ways for students to explore college and career opportunities. The prevalence of computers in schools has provided a new tool to enhance counseling interventions, an efficient way for counselors to network with one another, and a convenient option for training and supervision. The present and future of school counseling needs to address effective utilization of computer technology and advanced software to help students succeed (Hardesty & Utesch, 1994). Additional training and resources must be actively pursued in order to make these changes a reality. Computer technology is here to stay and will become a significant factor in the success of the 21st Century school counselor.

References

Barron, L. (1989). Enhancing learning in at-risk students: Applications of video technology. Syracuse, NY: ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EDOIR-89-12).

Brucklacher, B., & Gimbert, B. (1999). Role-playing software and webquests: What's possible with cooperative learning and computers. Computers in the Schools, 15, 37-43.

Caudill, G. (1998). Matching teaching and learning styles. Technology Connection, 11, 24-25.

Cornell, R. (1999). The onrush of technology in education: The professor's new dilemma. Educational Technology, 39(3), 60-64.

D'Andrea, M. (1995). Using computer technology to promote multicultural awareness among elementary school-age students. Elementary School Guidance and Counseling, 30, 45-54.

Geldard, K., & Geldard, D. (1997). Counseling children: A practical introduction. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Gerler, E., Jr. (1995). Advancing elementary and middle school counseling through computer technology. Elementary School Guidance and Counseling, 30, 8-15.

Hardesty, G., & Utesch, W. (1994). Counselors and computers: A survey of compatibility and use. Fort Wayne, IN: ERIC Clearinghouse on Information Resources. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 376 418)

Jongekrijg, T., & Russell, J. (1999). Alternative techniques for providing feedback to students and trainees: A literature review with guidelines. Educational Technology, 39(6), 54-58.

Magnusen, K. O., & Magnusen, O. C. (1995). On the leading edge of video interviewing. Journal of Career Planning and Employment, 55, 45-47.

McLellan, H. (1999). Online education as interactive experience: Some guiding models. Educational Technology, 39(5), 36-42.

Milone, M. (1999). Connecting schools and communities: Challenges along the way. Computers in the Schools, 15, 19-23.

Myrick, R. (1997). Traveling together on the road ahead. Professional School Counseling, 1 (1), 4-8.

Myrick, R., & Sabella, R. (1995). Cyberspace: New place for counselor supervision. Elementary School Guidance and Counseling, 30, 35-44.

Owen, D., Jr., & Weikel, W. (1999). Computer utilization by school counselors. Professional School Counseling, 2, 179-182.

Sampson, J. P., Jr., Kolodinsky, R. W., & Greeno, B. P. (1997). Counseling on the information highway: Future possibilities and potential problems. Journal of Counseling and Development, 75, 203-212.

Schack, M. (1998). Media review: Choosing the right college: New software for counselors and students. Professional School Counseling, 1 (4), 66.

Shulman, H., Sweeney, B., & Gerler, E. (1995). A computer-assisted approach to preventing alcohol abuse: Implications for the middle school. Elementary School Guidance and Counseling, 30, 63-77.

Stone, T., & Turba, R. (1999). School counselors using technology for advocacy. Journal of Technology in Counseling, 1(1). Retrieved May 6, 2001 from the World Wide Web: http://jtc.colstate.edu/vol1_1/advocacy.htm

The condition of education. (1999, July). American School and University, 71, 3.

Trilling, B., & Hood, P. (1999). Learning, technology, and education reform in the knowledge age or "we're wired, webbed, and windowed, now what?" Educational Technology, 39(3), 5-18.

Trotter, A. (2001, January 24). Cyber learning at online high. Education Week, 20, pp. 28-33. Retrieved May 6, 2001 from the World Wide Web: http://www.edweek.org/ew/ewstory.cfm?slug=19online. h20

Trotter, A., & Zehr, M. (1998, March 11). More schools, classrooms gaining access to Internet. Education Week 17. Retrieved May 6, 2001 from the World Wide Web: http://www.edweek.org/ew/ vol-17/26tech.h17

U.S. Department of Justice. (1999). Fight for your rights: Take a stand against violence [CD-ROM]. Washington, DC: mbi & NCCRE.

Vargas, E. (1995). The role of the trustee in the proposed national telecommunications highway. Illinois Libraries, 77, 49-51.

Zehr, M. (1999, October 20). More home schooling parents turn to online courses for help. Education Week 19, 1, pp. 12-13. Retrieved May 6, 2001 from the World Wide Web: http://www. edweek.org/ew/ewstory.cfm?slug=08home.h19

Stacy M Van Horn is an elementary school counselor, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando, FL, and a doctoral candidate, Counselor Education Department, University of Florida, Gainesville. E-mail: smarmarosh@msn.com.

Robert D. Myrick, Ph.D., is a professor, Counselor Education Department, College of Education, University of Florida, Gainesville.

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