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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• Digital competencies
• ICT-based training
• Counselor education
• Prospective counselors
• Technology integration in counseling

Ethical Statement

1. Ethical Approval The Committee for Responsible Research Conduct of the Indonesian Counselors Association (Ikatan Konselor Indonesia) reviewed and approved this study. All procedures performed in this study were in accordance with the ethical standards set forth by the institution and relevant national and international research guidelines. 2. Informed Consent Prior to participation, all respondents were informed about the research objectives, procedures, potential benefits, and risks. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, ensuring their voluntary participation and the right to withdraw at any stage without consequences. 3. Confidentiality and Data Protection The researchers ensured that all collected data were treated with strict confidentiality. Participants’ identities were anonymized, and any personal information was securely stored and used solely for academic purposes. Data were processed and analyzed while maintaining compliance with applicable data protection regulations. 4. Conflict of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and publication of this article. 5. Academic Integrity and Plagiarism This manuscript is an original work that has not been previously published and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. All sources used in this research have been appropriately cited, and due diligence has been exercised to avoid any form of plagiarism. 6. Research Funding This study did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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