Exploring the Technology-Driven Counseling Services for Public Senior High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Face-to-face counseling is observed as a dominant technique utilized in most schools. Most of the guidance services cannot be accomplished effectively due to several factors such as ratio between counselor and students, time allotment, and lack of designated rooms conducive for counseling services. Students nowadays are uncomfortable attending face-to-face support groups. These identified factors drove the researcher to integrate technology into counseling but not to the extent that it will aim to replace the traditional way of counseling. Instead, students can use online counseling instead of or in addition to face-to-face meetings. This study explores the technology-driven counseling services for public Senior High School in Taysan, Batangas. This study has the following objectives: (1) extent of counseling needs, (2) issues and challenges of respondents on online counseling in terms of internet connection, confidentiality, and relationship with counselor and expected outcome, (3) level of effectiveness of online counseling, and (4) proposed customized and upgraded counseling approaches.

METHODS

The Descriptive Survey Method of research was used in this study. One hundred (100) volunteer-respondents were gathered because counseling is not enforced but should be willingly done by the counselees. Due to inevitable circumstances, only 18 students from Grade 11 and 21 students from Grade 12 underwent online counseling. Survey questionnaires and online counseling websites were developed. Gathered data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation.

RESULTS

The study showed results of "great extent" to counseling needs in terms of career, personal-social, character formation, mental health needs, and program management and systems supports. Interview results showed that internet connection is the major issue. They have no issues on the confidentiality aspect of online counseling. Majority of the respondents showed positive feedbacks regarding their relationship with the counselor. Few respondents preferred face-to-face counseling. A customized and upgraded online counseling service is presented and may be utilized as an alternative counseling service.

DISCUSSIONS

It is concluded that the need for a holistic counseling is high and should be addressed by the school especially the guidance and counseling center. The study also revealed that online counseling is highly effective. It is assumed that online and technology-driven counseling medium can be used as an alternative counseling service to the students.