Technology in Career Guidance
Grades 6—8

During the middle school years, students begin to investigate the world of work in greater depth. Students explore career areas using a variety of resources. By utilizing technology, middle school students can prepare to make more informed decisions as they explore various career paths. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) outlines age-appropriate technology skills. These skills guide the selection of career exploration resources for middle school students.

Through the use of Computer-Assisted Career Guidance Systems (CACGS), CD-ROM directives, PC software, videos, developmentally appropriate websites, and the Internet, middle school students can master the competencies in the South Carolina Comprehensive Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program Model. Technology resources provide equitable access to current information that assists middle school students in their career exploration. Web sites such as O*NET, the U. S. Department of Labor’s occupational information site, is a "one stop shop" for career information that is constantly updated and available to all students. According to one retail company executive, "such sites as "O*NET (http://www.doleta.gov/programs/onet/glance.asp) will give schools and training organizations the information they need to prepare workers to succeed in industry."

Middle school students begin to explore careers through hands-on experiences in technology laboratories offering "occupational-specific" computer programs that mimic jobs. These programs allow the students opportunities to investigate how their strengths, weaknesses and interests will match certain job requirements. The ability to locate and use information via technology enhances decision-making, goal setting, and problem solving. Virtual job shadowing where students can visit a business or industry via the Internet provides the connection to School-to-Work activities without students ever leaving the classroom. Career guidance technology also provides opportunities to involve parents in the information necessary to formulate course and career plans by connecting to CACGS like SCOIS.net. On-line mentors guide students regarding the employability skills that employers cite as lacking in the educational curriculum.

No career information delivery system or career assisted career guidance system is "stand alone." The counselor’s role is to help the student take data, make it informative, and help the student take action upon the activity drawn from the computer technology. With the counselor partnering with technology, computers and other technology can help students develop career, decision-making skills by analyzing data, drawing conclusions about data, and manipulating data. Using career guidance technology, students can collect and compare data from around the world and formulate a plan of action for future career choices.

Career guidance technology affords students "a window to the world" to understand their communities and helps them to make sound career choices. Students are no longer limited to local jobs but compete in the global economy. The Governor’s Workforce Education Task Force’s report, Pathways to Prosperity, calls for education to be seen as "the precursor to employment driven by the student, rather than solely as intellectual enrichment driven by curriculum." A technology-rich career guidance program for middle school students will provide a necessary vehicle for the student’s career exploration journey.