This expert paper, commissioned by the OECD (2001) as part of its international review of career guidance, and written by international expert, Prof. Tony Watts, examines key issues for policy makers faced with the potential of ICT to transform career information and guidance services.

It explores

-how investment in ICT can enhance the cost-effectiveness of services of careers information and guidance services

-whether investment in ICT should be viewed as an alternative to face-to-face services, or as a means of enhancing the quality of such services?

-the respective roles of government, of career guidance professionals and of the private sector in promoting the application of ICT for careers information and guidance.

It starts by examining the evolution of ICT and the ways in which it is currently being used in the delivery of career information and guidance services. It then looks at the types of clients with whom ICT-based systems are particularly used, and at how such systems can both expand and restrict access to career information and guidance. It next explores ways in which ICT can complement and/or be integrated with other ways of providing career services. Finally, it identifies a number of key policy issues relating to the role of ICT in national and regional career information and guidance systems.

While technologies have advanced since the publication of this paper, the issues facing policy makers have not changed that much! This paper is a really good starting point for any policy development involving ICT in career guidance.