Integrating Internet-based distance guidance with services provided in career centers

The Internet has evolved so rapidly that there is little information on integrating Internet-based distance guidance opportunities with resources and services provided by existing career centers. In this article, the author describes career centers and then explores the need for career centers in the information age, the types of Internet web sites, the functions of an integrated web site in promoting cost-effectiveness, options for integrating user needs, the role of instructional design in web site development, cost-effectiveness and staff collaboration, web master responsibilities, Internet web site implementation, staff training, and ethical issues. This article is based on a paper presented at a seminar titled, "Guidance in Open Learning Environments in the Finnish Polytechnics" at Espoo-Vantaa Polytechnic, Vantaa, Finland, 1998.