TECHNOLOGY AND SCHOOL COUNSELING
What's New:
The South Dakota School Counseling Association web site has seen a few changes recently. I hope that the changes will make the web site more appealing and easier to use. The resources sections is also currently under construction. When it is finished I hope that it will be a great tool for counselors. Some of the things you can expect to see on the resources page include links to sites that deal with issues counselors face, scholarship and college links, and forms that can be used by school counselors. If there is something specific you would like see included on the resources page or on the web site, please contact my at stacy.solsaa@k12.sd.us.
The second new addition is the SDSCA members list-serve. The question has come up by members, why another list serve. The SDSCA board felt that the new list serve would be a great membership benefit. There have been concerns from counselors about the SDCounselors list serve. Several counselors have received some very negative responses from military recruiters and other people who are also a part of the SDCounselors list serve. Because anyone can sign up for the SDCounselors list serve, it is not the most confidential place to pose a question. When members use the SDSCA Members list serve, they can be assured that only counselors are reading and responding to their questions.
The SDSCA board also has discussed a member's only section to the SDSCA web site. After looking into setting that up, it doesn't look like it is a possibility at this time. Maybe we will see a members only section on the web site in the future.
Technology Tips:
Elementary School:
The following web site is a great resource when working with students. There is information that you can use as educational resources for elementary students. www.kidshealth.org There is also a section for parents, so you can also find information that may be helpful to give to parents.
Middle School:
Using the internet have groups of students research a topic that they feel effects students their age. Have them present the information to the class. Discuss where they found their information, if they feel it is accurate and how to evaluate information they find on the internet.
High School:
As freshman have students create a High School Activities form. They can save them on the server or you can keep a copy in your office. These can be updated every year, so when they are seniors they will know the things they have done while in high school. As seniors have them make a resume with all their activities. It is a great tool they can attach to scholarships and applications. Here is a sample:
My High School Activities From
Activities Resume