Strengthening Digital Competencies in Prospective Counselors: ICT-Based Training for Guidance and Counseling in the Digital Era

In the evolving field of guidance and counseling, digital competence is essential for prospective counselors who serve Generation Z and Alpha. This study evaluates a structured ICT-based training program for master's students in the Guidance and Counseling program at Institut Agama Islam Negeri Curup, using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Quantitatively, a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group assessed digital competence using a validated scale aligned with the European Digital Competence Framework for Educators (DigCompEdu). Item validity was confirmed through Corrected Item-Total Correlation analysis (range: 0.457–0.791), with excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.970). Qualitatively, interviews and observations examined mechanisms and barriers to ICT integration. Results indicate a statistically significant improvement in overall digital competence in the experimental group (t(20) = -2.081, p = .044), with a medium-to-large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.64), while the control group showed only a small change (d = 0.23). Notably, the minimum score in the experimental group rose from 44 to 99 with reduced score variability, suggesting equity-enhancing effects. Qualitative evidence revealed three mechanisms underlying the gains: guided rehearsal, peer support, and product-focused tasks, while identifying persistent constraints such as connectivity and device limitations. The study contributes a framework-anchored, counselor-specific conceptualization of digital literacy and offers empirical support for embedding structured ICT modules in counselor education curricula.