An exploration into the phenomenon of ICT in post-primary education and its potential to enhance the delivery of the career guidance service in a post-primary school

The overall aim for this research was to trace the phenomenon of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in Irish post-primary education and to examine the approach of Guidance Counsellors in their application of ICT in the delivery of the post-primary guidance service in their school. The basis for carrying out such research was to determine the best practices being employed by Guidance Counsellors in the delivery of their service in post-primary schools. Although a similar study was undertaken by Patton (2015) this study addresses a gap in research on the integration of a blended learning approach into the guidance service in post primary schools. A qualitative research design was employed in the collection of data for this thesis. Interviews were conducted at random with Guidance Counsellors currently working in post primary education. The main themes that emerged in the findings highlighted: ICT as a focus for innovation, teaching and learning using ICT in the delivery of the guidance service: ringfencing of guidance hours: the potential of ICT to extending the boundaries of the school guidance service and the provision of ICT within Junior Cycle guidance. The conclusions focused on Guidance Counsellors keenness to utilise any ICT programmes or resources available to them and their eagerness to up skill in ICT. Barriers to implementing ICT in the guidance service are also considered in the conclusion. Finally, recommendations are made to inform future policy, practice and research.