Technology and Advising

By Patrick Love and Sue Maxam

Technology is playing an increasingly important, even integral role in advising. It has been used to support both advising systems (such as degree audit programs, advising Web sites, and transfer articulation systems) and the actual delivery of advising (such as through social networking, blogs, and instant messaging). (Leonard, 2008).

Using both synchronous and asynchronous technology appropriately allows for effective planning, preparation, information sharing, record keeping, and follow-up while facilitating ongoing communication with students. Because it is convenient, instantaneous (in many cases), user-friendly, and accessible for most, technology can actually enhance advisor-advisee relationships by providing additional ways to communicate while building a sense of community and even school spirit. Therefore, it is incumbent upon advisors to stay up-to-date on the effective use of technology. Carter (2007) notes that this is especially vital because students increasingly prefer using technology-driven communication to more traditional modes.

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