COUNSELLORS' UTILIZATION OF DIGITAL TOOLS FOR CAREER GUIDANCE IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN DELTA STATE

Abstract This study examined counsellors’ utilization of digital tools for career guidance in senior secondary schools in Delta State. Three research questions guided this study. The descriptive survey research design was employed in the study. The population for the study comprised 488 counsellors from 488 public senior secondary schools in Delta State. Sample size for the study consisted of 244 counsellors drawn at (50%) selected using the proportionate stratified random sampling technique. A 41-item questionnaire developed by the researcher and titled “Counsellors Utilization of Digital Tools for Career Guidance Questionnaire (CUDTCGQ)” structured on a 4-point rating scale, served as the primary instrument for data collection. Both the validity and reliability of the research instrument were established. Data was analyzed using mean statistics rated at 2.50 and standard deviation statistics. Among the findings of the study indicated that the school counsellors in Delta State occasionally used basic digital tools like WhatsApp and SMS for career guidance, however, their adoption of more sophisticated and advanced platforms remained to a very low extent. From the findings, it was recommended that the Delta State Government in collaboration with the Post Primary Education Board (PPEB) and support from the private sector should prioritize the provision of modern reliable digital infrastructure, including internet connectivity, computers, and stable electricity, to enable counsellors to effectively utilize a wide range of advanced digital tools such as WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Zoom, Google Meet, MS Teams, online career assessment websites, mobile career apps, LinkedIn or other professional networking, school website or portal career section, e-portfolio tools, among others, for career guidance services in senior secondary schools in the State.