INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN GUIDANCE

ICT TOOLS FOR GUIDANCE r Administrative software r Internet: , websites, newsgroups r Telephone r Web-conferencing r Video-conferencing r Guidance software

ADMINISTRATIVE SOFTWARE USER-FRIENDLY SOFTWARE r Word processing: materials, reports, correspondence, DTP, html r speedy communication; transfer of information; tool for counselling r Presentation packages: promotional materials, training, records of achievement r Databases: record keeping, manipulation of information, presentation of statistics etc. r Web Publishing: marketing, outreach service, information, user-friendly, links to other resources.

Internet WHY USE IT?  Largest store of information, still growing;  Truly global - access to career, course information, guidance resources;  Cheap form of communication - cheaper to send than a fax;  Opportunity for guidance practitioner and client to share best practice and publish work for a global audience;  Wealth of resource materials for guidance practitioners, educational, vocational and administrative.  Newsgroups allow guidance practitioners to swap ideas with colleagues all over the world.

Internet HOW IS THE INTERNET USED FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES?  To deliver information about occupations including descriptions, employment prospects, skills requirements, estimated salary etc.  To provide online searches of occupational databases for the purpose of identifying suitable jobs.  To deliver interactive career counselling and career planning services.  To provide searches through databases of job openings and/or courses of study. National Career Development Association Columbus OH

Internet HOW IS THE INTERNET USED FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES?  IDENTIFY possibilities by using links to surf among Internet sites to discover the range of data that is available e.g. surfing serendipity.  SEARCH for information by using a search engine or gateway Internet site.  OBTAIN information when users know what they want by accessing a specific Internet site or by using a search engine to link to a specific Internet site address.  COMMUNICATE with others via , file transfer, chat mode and web or video-conferencing. James P.Sampson Jr. April 1998.

Internet EFFECTIVE USE OF THE INTERNET  The Internet is best used as only one of several resources.  The most valuable current use of the Internet is for information and networking.  Evaluate the use of a potential Internet site on the basis of the site’s potential to meet individual needs, e.g., a popular Internet site may not be appropriate for a particular user.  When attempting to solve complex problems, use the Internet over several sessions with time in between to consider what has been learned. An effective cycle of Internet use would be as follows: think about needs, use the Internet, reflect on what has been learned, network with others as needed, reflect, use, reflect, network, etc. James P.Sampson Jr.

Internet POTENTIAL INTERNET PROBLEMS  Relying too much on the Internet and ignoring other potentially valuable information resources;  Being overwhelmed with the number of Internet sites or the amount of information available;  Becoming sidetracked when surfing and accessing irrelevant information, e.g., staying busy, but unproductive;  Accessing fraudulent information or services from unethical Internet sites;  Accessing information that is out-of-date, invalid or biased; and  Risking unwanted contact or harm from individuals as a result of disclosing personal information on the Internet. James P.Sampson Jr. April 1998.

 Nua

Using Websites For Guidance r Opportunity Awareness r Self-Awareness r Decision Making r Implementing Decisions

User Readiness PRACTITIONER AIDED COMPUTER ASSISTED GUIDANCE: User Readiness factors influence the effectiveness of an individual’s use of Internet based career resources and services: verbal ability, interests, decision-making styles, knowledge, confidence, goals, career thoughts, and career choice barriers. THREE STAGE MODEL: r SCREENING r ORIENTATION r FOLLOW-UP

GUIDANCE SOFTWARE TO HELP THE CLIENT: r develop knowledge and understanding of one’s self and opportunities in education, training and employment; r To apply relevant knowledge, understanding and skills to one’s own particular circumstances; r To develop the skills necessary to make informed decisions and choices.

GUIDANCE SOFTWARE IDENTIFYING RELEVANT SOFTWARE r what function will the software perform; r how will it be integrated into other methods of delivery; r training including time required to use the programme.

WHAT DOES THE SOFTWARE DO? FOR SELF-AWARENESS: r Assess own needs, interests, values and aspirations FOR CAREER INVESTIGATION: r Opportunity awareness r Matching self-awareness and opportunity awareness FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF CAREER PLANS: r Decision-making  Implementing decisions

WHICH SOFTWARE? FOR SELF-AWARENESS Assess own needs, interests, values and aspirations:The Porteous Checklist; Skillcheck for Windows. FOR CAREER INVESTIGATION: Opportunity awareness: Qualifax and Gairm Matching self-awareness and opportunity awareness: CareersWorld; Career Directions. FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF CAREER PLANS: Decision-making:Personal Development Planner; What a Waste Implementing decisions:CV Processor 3.

DESIRABLE QUALITIES OF GUIDANCE SOFTWARE r Relevance r Information r Career Development Process r User Friendliness r Technical Aspects of Software r Support Services NCGE, 1999 / National Career Development Association (NCDA) USA

RELEVANCE r Respond to guidance needs of your client group r Related to the aims, learning objectives of your guidance service

INFORMATION r Must be current and valid r Clear and concise r Factual distinguished from advice or opinions r Personal search questionnaires : relate to characteristics of user and matching choices r Assessment instruments must conform to standards of psychometric testing

CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROCESS r Foster relevant self-knowledge r Broaden client’s awareness of current options r Support informed decision- making r Encourage the client to get appropriate counselling and advice r Provide useful information

USER-FRIENDLINESS r User can navigate quickly and easily r Easy to understand r Basic commands should be obvious and easy to use r Language used should be easily understood by target group r Should be attractive and interesting - provide motivation

TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF SOFTWARE / SUPPORT r Should provide a summary or copy of basic info for user r Printouts - clear, well structured, dated. r Records created - secure and confidential. Facility to erase r Possible to add updates to the programme r Clear instructions for installation and use r Training should be available  Support: Helpline, newsletters, evaluation