ABSTRACT

This paper reports on the findings of a study which sought to investigate the impact and efficacy of technology-based counseling offered by the University of South Africa (Unisa), an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution. The study focused specifically on student perceptions of the services they had received from professionals based in the Gauteng regional center, in the context of academic admissions and support, career indecision, financial and psychosocial challenges. A client satisfaction questionnaire was administered to 30 students. The theoretical framework for the study was Activity theory, which is a philosophical and cross-disciplinary framework for studying different forms of human practices as development processes, with both individual and social levels interlinked simultaneously. A mixed-method approach was adopted to explore participants’ experiences and perceptions of e-counseling. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Open-ended responses contained in the questionnaire, were subjected to qualitative analysis using the Atlas.ti program. Accessibility, convenience, and efficiency were highlighted as significant benefits of e-counseling. Results of the study suggest that while e-counseling should not be construed as a substitute for traditional, face-to-face counseling and psychotherapy, particularly in respect of more severe emotional and psychological challenges, it can be a useful adjunct to traditional modes of practice. The study also has important quality assurance implications for student counseling practice in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions, particularly with respect to informing online ethical imperatives.

摘要

本文报告了一项研究的结果，该研究旨在调查开放和远程学习 (ODL) 机构南非大学 (Unisa) 提供的基于技术的咨询的影响和功效。该研究特别关注学生对他们从豪登省区域中心的专业人士那里获得的服务的看法，这些服务涉及学术录取和支持、职业犹豫不决、财务和社会心理挑战。对 30 名学生进行了客户满意度问卷调查。该研究的理论框架是活动理论，这是一个哲学和跨学科框架，用于研究不同形式的人类实践作为发展过程，个人和社会层面同时相互关联。采用混合方法来探索参与者对电子咨询的体验和看法。使用社会科学统计软件包 (SPSS) 分析定量数据。使用 Atlas.ti 程序对问卷中包含的开放式回答进行定性分析。可访问性、便利性和效率被强调为电子咨询的显着优势。研究结果表明，虽然电子咨询不应被解释为传统的面对面咨询和心理治疗的替代品，特别是在更严重的情绪和心理挑战方面，但它可以作为传统模式的有用辅助手段实践。该研究还对开放和远程学习 (ODL) 机构的学生咨询实践具有重要的质量保证意义，