School counselors can use technology in several ways according to the article. Technology allows counselors to retrieve and disseminate information efficiently through email, websites, and electronic newsletters. It also enables distance learning for professional development and counseling interventions. Counselors can use the internet to help students explore college and career options. Technology facilitates networking, mentoring, training, and supervision of counselors.
2. How can technology be used by school counselors? According to Van Horn and Myrick (2001), counselors can utilize technology for information retrieval and dissemination, distance learning, college and career exploration, counseling interventions, networking and support systems, and training and supervision. The following slides are examples from their article, Computer technology and the 21st Century school counselor.
3. Retrieving & Disseminating Information E-Mail: Counselors can use e-mail as an effective, efficient, and timely way to communicate and gather information with students as well as parents. Web Sites: Counselors can use websites to let students, parents, and other stakeholders know what counseling opportunities are available at the school, in the community, and on-line.
4. Retrieving & Disseminating Information(Cont.) Electronic Newsletters: Counselors can send specific newsletters to specific people through email lists rather than placing the information on a more generic website. Online Journals: Counselors can stay up to date with the most current topics and techniques by accessing online counseling journals.
5. Distance Learning Professional Development: Counselors living in rural areas can take college courses and professional development across the country with no problem. Video Conferencing: Counselors can meet with clients, parents, and colleagues without having to leave their homes.
6. Exploring Colleges & Careers Exploring Colleges: Counselors can help students find information about a variety of colleges, so that they can make a well informed decision about where they can go on to higher learning. Exploring Careers: Counselors can use the internet to find out about current trends and information about a variety of careers that students might like to explore.
7. Technology as aCounseling Tool Multimedia, CD-ROMS, problem solving, and cooperative learning can all have positive outcomes for counselors. “Computer technology can combine visual graphics such as pictures, with sound and hands-on activities as part of counseling interventions.”
8. Networking Online Mentoring Programs: Counselors can utilize mentors to help them through feelings of isolation when they are the only counselor at a school. Sharing Experiences & Recommendations about Resources: Counselors can communicate with other counselors who may have dealt with similar experiences.
9. Training & Supervision Supervising Counselor: When counselors begin their profession, they must be supervised and technology is making it easier for the supervising counselor to communicate with supervisee. Training: Technology has made counselor training more engaging and easier to access.
10. Resources Van Horn, S. M., & Myrick, R. D. (2001). Computer technology and the 21st century school counselor. Professional School Counseling, Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KOC/is_2_5/ai_84152032
