In presenting the state of the art of the computer in guidance programs, it is maintained that there are many potential uses for computers in career decision making. Four types of computer-involved guidance systems were in use in 1970: indirect inquiry systems, direct inquiry systems without system monitoring, direct inquiry with system…

Seeks to show why computer-based career guidance systems need to take on the educational role of helping people develop appropriate and effective ways of thinking about their career problems, rather than simply matching people with occupational databases. A computer program called SELSTRA, which seeks to meet these needs, is described. (Author/MBR)

If the three ingredients of career decision making are self-knowledge, accurate occupational information, and effective strategy for analyzing data, it appears that computer-based career information systems are far more efficient than manual systems. (SK)

Used DISCOVER II, computer-based career information system, in career counseling intervention for 188 automobile workers in career transition. Found that workers could increase their level of career decidedness and make progress in their commitment to occupational choice through use of computer-based career counseling program.…

This paper concerns the use of the computer in schools. Several specific operational computer applications useful to counselors are discussed. These are: (1) the Ventura, which is the most comprehensive system; (2) the services available from NEEDS; (3) course selection; (4) updating information; and (5) making decisions, particularly occupational…

NextStep is an IBM compatible, computer-assisted learning system to help users explore and reality test their tentative career plans and bring their career decision to a more real and community-oriented level. The NextStep system assumes that the user is literate and has at least one tentative occupational goal. The system is based on a…

This manual is intended to acquaint counselors with CHOICES, a computer-assisted career information program. Following an overview of the CHOICES system, and a brief discussion of the usefulness of the program for counselors, the three-step CHOICES process is presented: Step 1, the Initial Interview (pre- CHOICES), involves determining student…

Presents a state of the art view of computer assisted counseling in seven articles dealing with career counseling, decision making, counseling techniques, information storage, and models of computer applications in counseling. Related developments in Great Britain are also discussed. (JAC)

The major objective of the Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) of Harvard University is to improve vocational decision-making through the use of a computer-based guidance system. The program is so designed that the student can relate knowledge about himself to data about education, training, and work and thereby create a body of…

The development of a counseling system designed for a small computer, although limited in both scope and objectives, appears to be practicable and economical. Described herein is a program intended to perform some of the functions performed by a counselor. It is merely a tool to be used by counselor, not a replacement for him. The program…

This compilation of three papers investigates theoretical and practical facets of career development, focusing on cognitive theory and decision-making theory and their roles in the formation of computerized career development systems. In the first paper ("Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Its Application to Career Development"), Gerald…

Intended for use by rehabilitation professionals counseling small groups of disabled people, the Occupational Choice Strategy (OCS) was designed to be responsive to both the needs and desires of the disabled and the cost and time constraints faced by rehabilitation counselors. OCS incorporates: (1) concise occupational information easily accessed…

Information from tests, when considered in the context of decision theory, can play an important role in vocational development. This role is primarily one of stimulating and facilitating exploratory behavior. Objective procedures for converting test data into counseling information are discussed and illustrated with special attention being given…

The Information System for Vocational Decision (ISVD) approach to computer-managed information is explained. Drawing mainly from the experience of preparing datafiles of occupational and military information for the ISVD, the author supports and elaborates on a number of general statements: (1) data should be collected and presented specifically…

The Information System for Vocational Decisions (ISVD) helps a person make decisions in choosing a vocation by collecting and processing data which include the following areas of information: college, career, military service, family, and the user's responses. It is vital that the machine be made to understand English--the natural language of the…