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New Technologies in Career Guidance: The Interactive Computer SIGI

Author(s):
Katz, Martin R.
Publication Year:
1988
Report Number:
RR-88-17
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
28
Subject/Key Words:
Career Guidance, Computer Oriented Programs, Guidance, SIGI PLUS, System of Interactive Guidance and Information (SIGI)

Abstract

Beginning in the 1960's, the interactive capabilities of computers provided unprecedented opportunities for the development of computerized career guidance systems. Such systems offered individualized assistance in career decision-making to large numbers of people at low cost. Recognizing that each user may present a unique combination of needs, experiences, circumstances, values, interests, skills, styles, and perceptions, a developer can enable a well-planned system to respond appropriately to these individual differences. A system can not only store, retrieve, and manipulate vast amounts of information, putting great resources at the fingertips of each user, but also bring together many variables—personal, occupational, and educational—and combine them in distinctive ways for each client. These capabilities do not insure that the substance of any system will be of high quality. Much of a system's worth depends on its conceptual framework, the strength of its theory and rationale, the coherence of its functions and structures. The "black box" of theory underlying every system should be opened up and exposed to the light of scrutiny and evaluation. Examples from the principles, research, model, and structures for the System of Interactive Guidance and Information (SIGI) and SIGI PLUS are used to illustrate the links between theory and practice. (28pp.)

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