Knowledge and clarity ensure informed decisions Appreciated by students and their parents for providing comprehensive guidance on career-linked courses

Knowledge and clarity ensure informed decisions

Appreciated by students and their parents for providing comprehensive guidance on career-linked courses

Over the years, technology has been playing a key role in several aspects of the education process. From providing information to the admission process and teaching sessions, just about everything can happen online now. It is possible for a student to get information on courses, take admission, access the study material, attend classes virtually and probably even get the marks intimated via email and cell phone messages. This also raises a few questions, especially given the rising computer penetration levels and easy access to the internet at cyber cafes. Does technology mean that the Internet has made one-on-one career counselling redundant? Is the vast sea of information available there likely to eliminate the concept of seminars, mentoring and awareness sessions? Will computers replace human guides and advisors? The answer to these and many other similar questions was revealed to be a resounding ‘No’ during the first edition of the two-day DNA Eduscope Education Fair, held on May 7-8, 2011. The personal interface definitely makes a big difference in terms of relevant knowledge and clarity gained, was an opinion unanimously voiced by students and parents alike. As they entered the venue, it was obvious that they were already informed about career options and courses offered by institutes at a basic level. It was also clear that the internet is a frequently accessed source for information about career-oriented courses. So why then did they make the effort to brave the summer heat and visit DNA Eduscope 2011? Vikas Patel, a student, who had appeared for his graduation exams, put the situation in perspective, pointing out that “These days all students have ample career information but they still need guidance. They know about all the courses but need someone to explain their intricacies.” Kalpana Dandekar, a student awaiting her HSC examination results, had said, “Since we have Internet access at home, finding out about courses and institutes is quite easy but it becomes difficult to take a decision based on just that. What I liked about this event was that we were first explained about the basics of choosing a career and the scope for different careers during the seminars. After that, we could sit with the institute representatives and understand what each course entailed, the benefits of specific courses vis-a-vis others. Now it will be easier to discuss the career path I want to take with my parents. Being better informed means that my views will be taken seriously and there will be less opposition.” Most students echoed these sentiments and pointed out that parents do not take their career choices seriously if they are based on information gleaned from the Internet. The message being given out to students is that they are free to opt for any career but only if they have a holistic perspective about the current market scenario, future potential in that segment, the scope at various levels, how each course would be a stepping stone in that direction and so on. Students poised at the threshold of their careers feel that it is extremely important that their parents take course decisions keeping their preferences in mind. Parents, on the other hand, argue that their selection needs to be based on not just what the industry requires today, but what it will need the day after tomorrow. It’s all about getting ready now for the future that awaits. This was why in spite of having unlimited internet-based information at their fingertips, these students and their parents visited DNA Eduscope 2011. It was all too obvious that when it comes to taking important decisions, the human interface matters. After all, when a senior mentor explains the necessity and importance of career planning for students, or provides guidance on how to choose your career and advice on how to increase your employability in the corporate sector, it’s definitely more helpful than just surfing web pages.