Abstract
The potential of using ICT in guidance is very big, but the real integration into the practice is still unknown in Romania. The articles presents the results of a quantitative study on the use of ICT in the Romanian school guidance community, based on Anthony Barnes`(1) distinction in relation to the way in which ICT can be used in such a context: as a resource, as a medium and/or for the development of further resources. 130 practitioners from 41 Romanian counties, plus Bucharest, participated in an online survey during November 2013-January 2014. The research questionnaire has been developed based on the instruments developed within international ICT Skills 1 and 2 Leonardo da Vinci projects (2). Results are discussed in relation to earlier Romanian studies and initiatives on the same topic (Stanescu, 2000; Jigau, 2002; ICT skills 1 and 2 project, 2005-2009). Some short overview on the policies and legal provisions for the guidance system is offered, as well as discussions on the initial training and continuous professional development of counsellors. Conclusions are drawn in relation to the most frequently used tools, as well as on the access on ICT in rural versus urban schools in which practitioners are working. Difficulties and obstacles mentioned by respondents are analysed together with good practices, in order to offer a comprehensive picture related to the daily practice on using ICT in guidance and counselling in Romania. Trends, future challenges for guidance counsellors and recommendations are drawn with the view of improving policies and practices in the field.
(1) Cogoi, C., Barnes, A., La Gro, N. Orientare ?i TIC: contextul. In: Competen?e TIC 2. Instrumente TIC ?i formarea practicienilor de orientare care utilizeaz? computerul. Afir Publishing House, Bucharest, 2009.
(2) *** ICT Skills 2.ICT Tools and Training for e-Guidance practitioners. ASTER Scienza Tecnologia Impresa S. Cons. p. a, Publishing House, Bologna, Italy, 2009. |