It's interesting to see new models of teaching appearing, and that alongside online learning, there is an emerging need for virtual career advice and counselling support. Dr Erin Berry-Sams spoke at the INACOL Virtual Schools Synposium in November 2009. She has 3,000 online learners in her care at Virtual Virginia. She offers virtual career and school counselling services to them.
Erin described the Functions of virtual school counsellor, and a distinction from the face to face school counsellor. Face to face school counsellors may not be fully aware of what supplemental courses actually involve. This is where the virtual school counsellor may come in. This role may help a student where issues are connected with the virtual course.
The Virtual Schools counsellor may offer:
• Individual counselling (in conjunction with local face to face counsellors)
• Academic and career counselling
• Group counselling
• Consultation (e.g. with teachers when students have special needs)
• Curriculum and classroom guidance
• Systems support
Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alui0000/
