The
utilization of technology in counselor education continues to grow. In fact, it
is difficult to think of training counselors without including technology in
some form. Given the continual development of new technologies and upgrades in
software and hardware, it is necessary to consider how new technologies will
enhance our work with student and clients. To devote time and effort in training
and learning new skills, may be difficult with a demanding schedule that many of
us have. Yet, it is an important requirement. Interestingly, it is good to
observe an increasing emphasis on technology in counseling. At the recent ACA
conference, held in New Orleans, the ACES Technology Interest Network (ACESTIN), led by
Harry Daniels, was well-attended and discussion included a number of
interesting topics, such as: a focus on improving the conference’s
support of technology-related presentations and the development of a technology
showcase for leading-edge development among counselors.
Another interesting and welcomed development is a new edition of Garry
Walz and John Bloom’s Cybercounseling and Cyberlearning book from
ERIC/CASS and
the ACA Foundation. The first volume was very well-received and is an important
contribution to the field. The next edition promises to an exciting addition
with a CD-ROM supplement.
One area of interest has been
the development of interactive training on CD-ROM and DVD. With the advent of
CD-R and DVD-R technologies, along with digital video, individuals can now
create professional supplements and stand alone training packages for less cost
than before. This area will grow considerably in the next few years. Many other
technologies are on the forefront including, streaming video on our cell phones
and wireless connectivity, to mention two. It is also good to see more of an
importance placed on using technology in teaching by government and other
organizations. Here are a few notable examples: NCATE's position paper on technology in teacher education;
Bonnie Bracey's, Presidential Advisor on Education and Technology, project to
educate teachers; and the edutopia web site, presented
by George Lucas.
It is important for counselors and counselor educators
to continue to develop and use technology and the editors of the Journal of
Technology in Counseling are proud to be a part of this movement. Our theme is
aimed at supporting those who wish to advance technology in professional
counseling and training.
Current Issue of JTC
In the current issue, there are many interesting
and informative articles, Paul Jones, Kelly Coker, Robert Harbach, and Pamela
A. Staples discuss the adaptation and use of java and chat in teaching. This
article provides detailed insight into their experiences and provides the reader
with solid information on setting up and working with chat in graduate level
classes. You can see this article at: Concepts
Into Practice: A Case Study in Software Design .
Another interesting use of technology in career counseling is offered by Nadine
Pelling in her contribution: The
Use of Technology in Career Counseling. This
article offers a number of internet resources for those teaching and learning
this important topic. Yolanda
Edwards, Tarrell Portman, and James Bethea provide a research study on
counseling students computer competencies skills. This study provides assistance
for counselor training programs and suggests that early exposure to technology
in the classroom is beneficial to students. You can find this research at:
Counseling
Student Computer Competency Skills: Effects of Technology Course in Training.
Surveying CACREP accredited counseling
programs, Avis Quinn, Thomas Hohenshil, and Jimmy Fortune, provide
information concerning the use of technology in these programs. The article
discusses the movement of technology utilization and their findings provide
insight into the technology movement in counselor education.
This article can be found at: Utilization
of Technology in CACREP Approved Counselor Education Programs. Another
interesting look at the promotion of pedagogical principles with the use of
technology is Jennifer Baggerly’s article entitled:
Practical
Technological Applications to Promote Pedagogical Principles and Active Learning
in Counselor Education. Her
contribution contains student responses to technology-enhanced classes and
insight into managing technology problems that occur.
Finally, Claudia P. Flowers, Marty Bray, Susan Furr, Robert F. Algozzine provide us with information concerning accessibility of web sites in counseling programs. There appears to be a high rate of problematic issues on these sites. A discussion of how to improve seb site accessibility is contained in: Accessibility of Counseling Education Programs’ Web Sites for Students with Disabilities
Marty Jencius and I would like to thank you for all the support and kind words we have received as we continue this project. As always we are indebted to our editorial board. Encourage others to take a look at JTC. Consider how you might contribute to the further advancement of technology in counseling by an article submission to JTC. We welcome your comments.
Michael L. Baltimore is an Associate Professor of Counseling at Columbus State University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He maintains a private practice for counseling and supervision. He can be contacted at: baltimore_michael@colstate.edu .