Computer‐Assisted Career Guidance Systems: A Part of NCDA History

Abstract

The first computer‐assisted career planning systems were developed in the late 1960s and were based soundly on the best of career development and decision‐making theory. Over the years, this tradition has continued as the technology that delivers these systems’ content has improved dramatically and as they have been universally accepted as effective tools for career guidance practice. Although their widespread use in the United States is currently affected by financial conditions, the potential for using these systems in developing countries as a part of their implementation of career guidance services is promising.

A Life‐Design‐Based Online Career Intervention for Early Adolescents: Description and Initial Analysis

“…In general, our results agree with Harris‐Bowlsbey (), who said that the use of computer‐assisted career guidance systems with adolescents to help them focus on their professional goals could stimulate more investment in their futures. Our findings also suggest that it is possible to devise a low‐cost intervention based on the life‐design approach that focuses on career adaptability and therefore strengthens a series of individual resources to handle developmental tasks to prepare for future careers and cope with difficult times.…”

“…This also facilitates the dissemination of a culture of updated design professionals who have the ability to manage a program such as the one presented with large groups of students interested in thinking about their future. Programs like this can be used in school contexts to provide inexpensive, effective services (Harris‐Bowlsbey, ), so that families may bear the costs if school funds are no longer available. Thanks to these programs, practitioners could identify situations that may be more at risk, particularly with regard to boys.…”

Integrating Theory, Research, and Practice: A Viewpoint from a Member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Career Assessment

“…Information and communication technology (ICT) has been used to administer and score career assessments, provide career information, and facilitate guidance for more than 40 years (Harris-Bowlsbey, 2013;Sampson & Osborn, 2015). Nowadays, ICT is typically used to provide career assessments, career information, and interventions not only via computers and laptops, but also through tablets and smartphones, which allow access to career-related sites anytime and anywhere.…”

Comparing Web‐Based and Traditional Career Interventions With Elementary Students: An Experimental Study

“…With the surge in popularity of online instruction, more children are engaged in virtual learning experiences than ever before (Madden, Ford, Miller, & Levy, 2006). However, it is important to recognize that although some literature exists regarding the value of integrating technology into career counseling (Harris-Bowlsbey, 2013;Harris-Bowlsbey & Sampson, 2001), much of it focuses on young and middle-aged adults and excludes children. However, it is important to recognize that although some literature exists regarding the value of integrating technology into career counseling (Harris-Bowlsbey, 2013;Harris-Bowlsbey & Sampson, 2001), much of it focuses on young and middle-aged adults and excludes children.…”

“…Additionally, technology-based career development programs appear to be used more often by counselors than other types of counseling tools (Morgan, Greenwaldt, & Gosselin, 2014). However, it is important to recognize that although some literature exists regarding the value of integrating technology into career counseling (Harris-Bowlsbey, 2013;Harris-Bowlsbey & Sampson, 2001), much of it focuses on young and middle-aged adults and excludes children.…”