PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY ON DISPENSATION OF COUNSELLING SERVICES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
Chinwe Augustina Enwere
Department of Educational Psychology/Guidance and Counselling,
Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Anambra State, Nigeria
Email: chinweenwere@yahoo.com | Phone: +2349063529504
Abstract
The rapid advancement of digital technology has transformed various sectors of society, including education. In particular, the field of school counseling has seen significant changes due to the integration of digital tools. The study employed a descriptive survey design and was conducted in public secondary schools across urban and rural areas of Anambra State, Nigeria. Eighty (80) respondents, including counselors, principals, and teachers, were purposively selected. Data were collected using a structured, expert-validated questionnaire based on a four-point Likert scale. A reliability test was conducted which gave a reliability coefficient of 0.72. The questionnaire was distributed electronically via WhatsApp and email. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used for analysis, with a 2.50 cut-off point for agreement.
Inferential statistics, including ANOVA, were applied where necessary, and all analyses were conducted using SPSS version 22. Findings revealed a moderate level of digital technology integration in counselling services, with gender-based variations in perceived effectiveness and challenges. Mental health apps, teletherapy, and virtual peer support platforms were among the tools assessed. Key challenges identified included socioeconomic barriers, lack of training, and technical limitations. The study concluded that while digital technology had great potential to improve counseling services, there was a need for better implementation strategies, more resources, and professional development for counselors. Recommendations were made to support the integration of digital tools and enhance counseling practices in schools.
Keywords
Digital technology, Counseling services, Secondary schools, Anambra State, Nigeria, Education, Technology integration