Description of Guidance Service

This service provides schools with the means to integrate computers into the instructional process and offer choices of guidance software packages that assist students with selecting the most current information for college and career planning.  NERIC offers software licenses, installation, training, coordination and systems analysis for school districts’ choice of any of the following career/college information delivery systems: Choices, eChoices,  Career Futures, CX Online, and Jobs in Pawland from Bridges.com, Hobson's CollegeView,  DISCOVER, and eDiscover from ACT, and MyRoad from The College Board.

Software can be installed locally on student or counselor workstations, or can be networked for use throughout the school.  Service includes software program choice(s), training, necessary documentation and manuals, access to group purchases of additional materials, ongoing support, assistance, and invitations to any guidance-related workshop or demo held at NERIC.  Districts will be responsible for hardware and/or telecommunications.

Service Delivery Standards

The standard hardware for the delivery of all of the guidance software is the appropriate IBM/compatible and/or Macintosh hardware dependent upon the technical specifications of the career information software chosen and any other intended use of the computer. Generally, standalone versions of software require Windows 95 or higher, CD-ROM, a color monitor, and printer. An Internet connection is also recommended.

LAN versions of the software products are compatible with Novell Netware and Windows servers, as well as Mac client-server networks.

Online products generally require a 56K modem or better for standalones. For labs, a minimum of 10K bandwidth for each station is required. A T1 line is recommended. Browsers should be Internet Explorer 5.5 or Netscape 4.7 or newer.

Contact

Hilary Delavare
Instructional Coordinator
(518) 456-8830
hdelavar@gw.neric.org

Q.: What benefits would students acquire by using career planning software?
A.: Increase the student’s knowledge of different occupations and career areas. Learn more about the world  of work map, skills that are needed to perform certain jobs and to start a thinking process of a career plan for the student.

Q : I know that some career planning software have Interest Inventories that a student can take. What would be   the advantage of that?
A : Students answer questions that pertain to different job values, abilities, or interests. This offers the students career areas or interests that he/she should explore and learn more about. Some of the inventories suggest different activities that one might engage in to get a better understanding of a career area. Another one might recommend high school courses to take.

Career Planning and College Search Links and Resources