Using+Technology+in+School+Counseling

Use of Technology ** Though technology use has increased rapidly in schools, many inequities remain for students who are of lower socioeconomic status, minorities and the unequal access to technology by the students or families.
 * [|Technology Mindmap]

** Professional Perceptions ** ** School Counselors’ ** The new counselor sees technology as a useful tool for helping students in their development. Others see technology as an inhumane mechanic force that is inconsistent with the interpersonal tenets of counseling. Reasons for School counselors’ underutilization in technology: Those interested in the profession place high value on social interaction May not have been supplied with proper materials needed to effectively incorporate technology into their programs May not have been properly trained with the uses of technology Many practicing counselors may feel ‘left behind’ by information age While existing counselors are more familiar with scheduling and record keeping software, younger and counselors in training are more familiar with the internet and communication functions of computers and technology. ** Teachers ** It seems that the longer teachers had been teaching, the less confident they had in computer skills Teachers most frequently used computers for: accessing resources for lessons, record keeping, communication with professionals, multimedia presentations. ** Internet Resources ** Internet Cautions ** School counselors should accept a leadership role with regard to the safe use of technology as the internet provides info that can be helpful or harmful. Counselors should be careful and thorough in evaluating sites before referring them to others. Sabella suggests: counselors provide supervision/ develop an acceptable use policy/ educate students about safety/ use blocking or filtering software
 * Some barriers teachers feel** include: too few computers, inadequate software and hardware, lack of training and support.

** Resources for Students ** Some samples of sites that inform, educate and support students US Dept of Education- financial aid, homework help US Bureau of Labor Statistics ePals- ways for educators and students to communicate with one another.

** Resources for Counselors ** ASCA/ACA- starting point for the national model, offers info and relative articles. Journal for Technology in Counseling- web-based, peer reviewed journal focuses on the use of technology in all aspects of counseling.

** Using Technology for Service Delivery ** Use can assist in service delivery in all areas: guidance, individual planning, responsive services, and system support.

Use of **PowerPoint** to present lessons Can refer students and parents to internet sites for info and support in the **responsive service** area. The area of service delivery in which technology has been incorporated in most is in the area of **career development**. Students complete career assessments and can access educational and occupational information. E-Portfolios are becoming increasingly popular by high school students as they track their experiences to colleges and employers. ** Using Technology for Communication ** Tech revolutionized the ways we communicate on macro and micro levels. In macro, web sites can communicate to parents, teachers, students and others regarding the counseling program. On micro, emails, bulletin boards and listservs aid communication among counselors and various individuals.
 * Guidance discussions** with students reacting to internet information

** Developing Counseling Web Sites ** Informs of the counseling program Way to contact counselors Provides resources and current info to users

** Using Technology for Managing Programs ** Word processing software is used for constructing needs assessments, surveys and data collection materials. Spreadsheet and database programs are useful for organizing data. Maintaining Attendance Records- allows admin to track students and provides info on students that may miss extensive amounts of school time. School Scheduling Software- eliminate s much paperwork and time required to individually enter students into classes. Credit Check Software- determines grade classification, keep track of test scores, report results of college entrance examinations and compute GPA’s. These programs reduce the amount of time needed to perform routine chores.

** SCAATAP ** A software application that allows school counselors to follow and implement the ASCA National Model as a universal plan. Individual Planning Component Responsive Services System Support Available Reports: Activity Report, Standards Report, Individual Planning ReportTeacher Report, Summary Report. These reports are valuable for accountability and program evaluation purposes as they provide information needed in assessing program accountability.

The Real Game: (submitted by Jen Marner) Check out this online demonstration for an example of a real game - game for students... http://realgame.org/assets/Flash/PRG demo.htm The Real Game Series offers experiential programs for students ranging from 8 years old to adult. The role-playing exercises give participants an opportunity to become part of a virtual community of working adults. Players imagine and experience, their future lives and livelihoods. During the game students create their own business cards, purchase homes and cars, live in neighborhoods, budget and juggle work and play. The game links future adult realities with current school subjects. The entire program can take 25 hours or more.

Here is an interesting article: [|Latinos Online: Narrowing the Gap]