The concept of e-counselling: utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) in counselling

Abstract

E-counselling, which is the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in guidance-counselling process, is of great importance because the wave of advances in ICT in this dispensation is creating problems, even though it has its positive contribution towards development. However, the negative consequence can easily be checked through e-counselling. The use of computer to defraud which is being tagged “cybercrime” and the use of ICT for immoral acts such as the watching of pornographic films can be checked through proper e-counselling services. This paper therefore examines the concept of ICT, guidance, counselling and e-counselling. The significance of ICT in facilitating the rendering of guidance and counselling services is also assessed. The paper recommends amongst others that counsellor should be given opportunity through seminars and workshops to improve upon the use of ICT in their counselling activities. It is therefore concluded that Information and communication technology (ICT) need to be fully integrated into the delivery of guidance-counselling services.

Keywords: Guidance, Counselling, ICT, Utilization, E-counselling