Technology In Counseling

Technology continues to advance each year. With new electronic products, apps and social media, it was inevitable that technological innovation made way into the school system. As social media and technology come into play with school counseling, there are benefits and disadvantages. School counselors are using technology toward their advantages. In the survey Sabella (2005) conducted, counselors were using technology to better their work. Some of the ideas mentioned in the survey were, creating an access database with information that is not always included in the permanent records, mail bounding, keeping linked with mentors, organization with Microsoft Excel, and creating a school counseling website for the school that includes slips and

The Internet provides more information at their fingertips than flipping through a book or article. More resources mean more informational knowledge the students receive. At the same time, social media benefit the counselor as well. If there is a situation on a social media site dealing with cyber bullying, broadcasting suicide or threaten to harm self or others, the counselor has access to explore these situations and create possible intervention strategies. “Possible intervention strategies may include teaching students how to identify cyberbullying both at school and away from school, discussing school policy with students, providing students with methods of reporting cyberbullying, and increasing supervision in areas of schools where cyberbullying is likely to occur” (Chibbaro, 2015, p. 4-5). Exploring these situations gives the counselor an upper hand of what is going on and who is involved. As a result, having access to student’s social media can decrease problems from escalating. In spite of this, there are disadvantages with technology and social media. Social media spread information very rapidly and cause permanent emotional scars. These scars can follow a student for the rest of their lives. Technology has changed the way we think and

If professional writers have a difficult time brainstorming and creating an outline for their work, students that uses computers daily, are highly likely to experiencing the same difficulties. The idea of thinking and planning ahead has become a challenge. Last but least, due to the advance technology, less students are reading for pleasure. “Studies show that reading develops imagination, induction, relation and critical thinking, as well as vocabulary” (Wolpert, 2009, p. 172). The importance of reading is crucial in a student development. Reading allows students to create thoughts and images in their imagination. Because technology is very accessible, students allow Internet to think for them and construct their imagination. As a school counselor, I would address these issues about technology and social media by presenting my students with information. In my resources, I will show them how to balance on using the Internet and using social media appropriately. Resources bring awareness to the students. Under no circumstances will I cast my personal opinion on the students but only present them with positive and negative information on technology and social media.