DOI: 10.17066/tpdrd.1654062 ISSN: 1302-1370

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

Hartini Hartini, Afriyadi Sofyan, Edi Wahyudi, Siti Aminah
Show PDF Cite
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.

More from our Archive