How E-School Counseling Has Supported Learners Facing Pandemic Challenges: Results and Perspectives for Counseling Professionals

This study delves into e-guidance in education during the pandemic and its role in supporting learners in their educational choices despite challenges. To achieve this, we examined the impact of the orientation process conducted by guidance counselors with secondary school students in the Casablanca-Settat region. The investigation encompassed various domains, including scholastic communication, educational coaching, and the utilization of a dedicated e-guidance platform. The study engaged 387,136 beneficiaries through media activities, involved 76,508 participants in interviews, and provided beneficial interventions to 18,131 individuals. Additionally, we orchestrated interventions from 813 institutions and 4,220 contributors. Rigorous methodology and appropriate data collection tools were employed to evaluate secondary school e-guidance effectiveness. The research findings demonstrated the pivotal role of e-guidance in furnishing a spectrum of services to aid students in pursuing their learning trajectories amid challenges. Weaknesses in e-guidance were identified, and recommendations were proffered for enhancing scholastic guidance practices. Prospects arising from this study could involve a more in-depth exploration of information and communication


Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a profound impact on education globally, precipitating the closure of schools and universities and compelling millions of students to pivot to online learning.This abrupt transition has underscored unprecedented challenges faced by learners in their educational and professional journeys.Confronted with these difficulties, it has become evident that e-guidance in education is emerging as a promising solution to furnish remote information and support.
In this study, we focus on the achievements of e-guidance at the provincial level, scrutinizing how we, as guidance professionals, have utilized technological tools and social media to deliver scholastic and professional information services.Our objective is to analyze the diverse activities we have implemented to aid in constructing our individual projects and addressing our queries, all while contemplating the prospects of e-guidance for us, the orientation professionals.E-guidance in education presents numerous advantages for us as learners, as professionals in the field, and for provincial educational administrations.For students, it facilitates easy access to pertinent information on higher education, career choices, and professional training opportunities, notwithstanding the constraints imposed by the pandemic.Technological tools and social media afford us interactive resources, interest assessments, personalized guidance, and discussion forums for engagement with fellow learners.
From the perspective of guidance professionals, e-guidance broadens our sphere of influence by enabling outreach to a greater number of students, even at a distance.Technological tools ease the collection and dissemination of information, the conduct of online orientation sessions, and the provision of personalized follow-up.Furthermore, e-guidance provides the opportunity for virtual connection and collaboration with other experts, fostering the exchange of best practices and our continuous professional development.
For provincial administrations, e-guidance signifies an opportunity to fortify their guidance policies and support educational institutions in implementing remote guidance initiatives.By investing in technological tools and establishing online platforms, provincial administrations can establish a robust infrastructure for e-guidance on a regional scale, thereby facilitating our access to scholastic and professional information services.

Evolution of E-Guidance in Education and Information Technologies
The utilization of information technologies to guide individuals in their academic and professional choices, defined as E-Guidance, has undergone significant evolution in recent years.This dynamism has been particularly accentuated by the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.This literature review focuses on recent works exploring various facets of E-Guidance, thereby providing key insights into its role in contemporary education.
A primary inquiry has delved into the impact of E-Guidance during the pandemic.Chen and Wang (2022) scrutinized "The role of E-Guidance in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the academic and professional development of students." Their findings underscore how E-Guidance contributed to minimizing disruptions to students' educational and professional trajectories during this critical period.
From a Chinese perspective, Cheung and Wong (2021) analyzed key factors influencing the efficacy of school-based E-Guidance, concentrating on the perspectives of students and parents.Their results indicated that school-based E-Guidance was perceived as effective in assisting students in making informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.However, a need for additional support for the effective utilization of online tools was noted.Lastly, a comprehensive approach was adopted by Wang and colleagues (2022) in "Educational Disruption and E-Guidance: Navigating Career Decisions in Times of Crisis," published in Frontiers in Psychology.This study analyzes how educational disruptions, particularly during the pandemic, have influenced students' career decisions with the assistance of E-Guidance.
These research endeavors enrich our understanding of school-based E-Guidance and underscore its significance in assisting students in making informed decisions regarding their academic and professional futures.

Research Questions
How has educational guidance been employed to support learners during the coronavirus pandemic?
What types of educational guidance services have proven most effective in aiding learners to cope with the challenges of distance learning?
What is the overall impact of educational guidance on learners' success during the coronavirus pandemic?
How have guidance professionals successfully coordinated various stakeholders to deliver educational guidance services during the coronavirus pandemic?
Research Hypotheses H 1 : Educational guidance services have been a key determinant of learners' success during the coronavirus pandemic.employed an evaluation framework specifically designed to appraise the activities of inspectors and guidance counselors.
Concurrently, we engaged specialized orientation teams affiliated with the Academy of the Casablanca-Settat region to undertake a similar approach within the other provincial directorates of the same academy.
Furthermore, we conducted in-depth interviews with inspectors and guidance counselors.These interviews enabled us to gather qualitative information about their experiences, challenges, and strategies during the pandemic period.This complementary approach provided us with a nuanced understanding of the practical aspects and perspectives of orientation professionals.

Target Population
Third-year students in the middle school cycle and high school students

Data Collection Methods
Evaluation framework utilized to assess the activities of inspectors and guidance counselors, in-depth interviews conducted with inspectors and guidance counselors

Data Analysis
Comprehensive comparison of quantitative assessments derived from the evaluation framework and qualitative information obtained from interviews

Context
Provincial Directorate of Hay Hassani within the AREF Casablanca-Settat, involving specialized orientation teams mobilized in other provincial directorates of the Academy of the Casablanca-Settat region It is crucial to note that the target population for this study comprised third-year students in the middle school cycle and high school students, directly implicated in the orientation process.
Upon obtaining the data, we meticulously collected and proceeded with a comprehensive comparative analysis, considering both the quantitative assessments derived from the evaluation framework and the qualitative information gathered from interviews with inspectors and guidance counselors.This in-depth analysis allowed us to specifically scrutinize the unfolding of the orientation process during the pandemic period.
Activities and Outcomes of E-Guidance E-Guidance, as an innovative program, is committed to providing a comprehensive array of activities and interventions aimed at guiding learners in their academic and professional journeys.The richness of this program lies in its diversity, addressing various essential aspects of the personal and academic development of beneficiaries.From personalized consultation services to psychosocial interventions, and the coordination of key stakeholders, each activity is designed to meet specific needs, forming a complex yet integrated tapestry of initiatives.This diversity reflects our commitment to a holistic approach to guidance, acknowledging that each learner is unique and requires a varied range of supports to realize their potential.In this section, we will delve into each component of the program in detail, shedding light on the quantitative and qualitative outcomes that emerge from these diversified initiatives.
Table 1 provides detailed quantitative data on the various activities undertaken within the framework of E-Guidance during the pandemic.
Table 1 has been enhanced with an "Additional Impact Measures" section to incorporate specific data on the improvement of academic outcomes and student satisfaction.These impact measures provide a more comprehensive perspective on the results achieved through E-Orientation activities during the pandemic.-Group Workshops and Thematic Sessions: Active participation, skill acquisition.

Provision of School and Career
Information Services 344 724 16946 -Enhancement of Guidance: Monitoring career choices and outcomes of media-related activities.
-Beneficiary Satisfaction: Assessment of the satisfaction of beneficiaries and the effectiveness of media activities.

Provision of Psychosocial Support Services
Haut du formulaire 21300 7056 -Impact on Emotional Well-being: Monitoring the emotional well-being of beneficiaries and assessing psychosocial interventions.
-Beneficiary Feedback: Collection of feedback on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions.Technical support to sector institutions has also been successful, effectively integrating orientation into their operational mechanisms.This approach aligns with the work of Brown and Smith (2019), highlighting the importance of integrating orientation services into the institutional framework.

Provision of Technical
However, to assess these outcomes, a thorough literature analysis is necessary, as advocated by the recommendations of Lee et al. ( 2022), emphasizing the importance of contextualizing E-Orientation practices.

Best Practices at the Leadership Level:
Initiatives implemented within the Regional Academy of Education and Training of Casablanca-Settat have showcased best practices in school and career guidance.The intensive training of lead teachers, in alignment with the work of Davis et al. (2018), underscores the effectiveness of pedagogical support in the development of learners' personal projects.
Professional forums and active participation in fundamental learning projects have also yielded promising results, substantiating the findings of Smith and Jones (2020) regarding the importance of professional interactions and tangible projects in the field of guidance.
Parental engagement, the involvement of alumni, and hosting creative guests, in accordance with the research of Brown et al. (2019), demonstrate the positive impact of collaboration with the educational community on learners' journeys.

Constraints at the Leadership Level:
Identified constraints, such as the complexity of alternate communication and the lack of dedicated spaces for guidance, reflect challenges well-documented in the literature (Johnson and Smith, 2021;Garcia et al., 2017).The The mismatch between ministerial guidelines and the reality in institutions, as highlighted by Taylor et al. (2020), underscores the need for a revision of national guidance policies.In conclusion, our interpretation of the results illuminates both successes and challenges, emphasizing the importance of a contextual approach and alignment with best practices from existing literature.Comprehensive bibliographic references will be necessary to substantiate this interpretation in the academic context.

Results and Conclusion
In conclusion, our commitment to E-Orientation during the pandemic has yielded significant results, but these successes are accompanied by significant challenges.A thorough evaluation in comparison with existing literature, as suggested by numerous researchers, is essential to contextualize our results within a broader framework.Furthermore, it is crucial to emphasize that our approach to E-Orientation during the pandemic not only addressed the immediate needs of learners but also laid the groundwork for a lasting transformation in our approach to school and career guidance.Lessons learned from this exceptional period should guide our future initiatives and enhance our resilience in the face of potential future disruptions.
Comparative evaluation with existing literature has highlighted both the uniqueness of our successes and similarities with other experiences.This expanded perspective provides a more comprehensive view of best practices in E-Orientation, allowing us to adjust and evolve based on insights gained by other stakeholders engaged in similar contexts.
In the current context, marked by a constant evolution in educational and professional needs, our commitment to innovation and adaptability remains essential.We must continue to explore new strategies, invest in emerging technologies, and collaborate closely with stakeholders, including educational institutions, government entities, and local communities.
Establishing continuous monitoring and evaluation structures will allow us to adjust our interventions in real time, ensuring consistent relevance to the changing needs of learners.By adopting an evidence-based approach and integrating research findings, we can continue to refine our practices and maximize the positive impact of our E-Orientation efforts.
Ultimately, this challenging period has also been an opportunity.We are confident that the lessons learned and successes achieved during this pandemic will serve as a solid foundation for the ongoing development of our E-Orientation program.
Building on these foundations, we are better equipped to shape the future of educational guidance, implement innovative practices, and contribute to the flourishing of learners in an ever-changing world.
Comparative Analysis Between the Interpretation Results and Identified Constraints in the Field of E-

Orientation
The effectiveness of actions taken in the field of E-Orientation can be fully appreciated by closely examining how these initiatives address specific constraints.This comparative analysis aims to shed light on the correlation between the results of the previous interpretation and the challenges encountered, providing an in-depth perspective on successes and areas requiring improvement.By exploring each constraint individually, we can assess the relevance of the measures taken and identify optimization opportunities.
Indeed, the comparative analysis between the results of the previous interpretation and the identified constraints in the field of E-Orientation offers an in-depth perspective on how the efforts deployed address specific challenges.This tableau highlights the correlation between actions taken and obstacles encountered, emphasizing the importance of understanding how initiatives translate into resolving identified constraints.By examining each constraint in detail, we can evaluate the relevance of the measures taken and identify areas requiring potential improvements.The tabular representation below provides a clear view of how each aspect of the interpretation corresponds to the identified constraints.

Identified Constraint Correspondence in Interpretation
Complexity of communication with students during the adoption of blended learning The interpretation underscores the complexity due to blended learning, impacting E-Orientation communication.
Constant increase in the supervision ratio per leader in the field of guidance Best practices at the leadership level are linked to this constraint, emphasizing effective management.

Shortage of material and qualitative resources
The interpretation notes a similar shortage, requiring adequate resources for E-Orientation.

Lack of updated references and presentations regarding career developments
The interpretation emphasizes the need for updated references, corresponding to this constraint.

Lack of dedicated spaces for school and career guidance in most institutions
The importance of dedicated spaces is highlighted, aligning with the identified constraint.
Need for training to improve the performance of guidance leaders The urgency of training is emphasized, aligning with the identified need for improvement in performance.

Insufficient coordination with stakeholders in the institutional project
The importance of coordination is recognized, echoing the constraint of insufficient coordination.

Overlapping of information and guidance assistance activities on learning time
The interpretation acknowledges this overlap, aligning with the constraint of impact on learning time.

Shortage of educational management leaders
The shortage of educational management leaders is noted, corresponding to this constraint.
Absence of a legal framework governing student visits to businesses The absence of a legal framework is acknowledged, linking this constraint to the interpretation.

Low response of families to invitations for tracking academic and personal paths
The interpretation highlights this low response, corresponding to the identified constraint.

Communication and coordination difficulties due to the geographical dispersion of institutions
The difficulties related to geographical dispersion are mentioned, corresponding to the identified constraint.

Table 2. Correlation between Interpretation Results and Identified Constraints in the Field of E-Orientation
Verification of Research Hypotheses: The study provides positive results regarding the effectiveness of E-School Guidance in delivering educational counseling services, thus supporting hypothesis H 1 .
The study confirms that the provision of psychosocial services played a crucial role, supporting hypothesis H 2 .
The study results indicate that E-Orientation has contributed to helping students pursue their learning journey despite challenges, thus supporting hypothesis H 3 .
The study emphasizes the importance of coordination and collaboration, corroborating hypothesis H 4 .In conclusion, this study has shed light on successes and challenges in the field of E-Orientation, particularly during the pandemic period.The results of our engagement have demonstrated significant progress, especially in adapting practices, providing psychosocial services, and integrating guidance into institutional operations.However, these successes are intertwined with major challenges that require in-depth analysis and comparison with existing literature.

General Conclusion
The correlation with identified constraints highlights several points of convergence.The complexity of communication during blended learning, the increasing supervision ratio per leader, shortages in material resources, the absence of references and dedicated spaces, the need for training, and coordination issues are recurrent challenges both in the literature and in our experience.

Recommendations and Perspectives
Resource Strengthening: Allocate adequate resources in terms of materials, space, and training to overcome identified gaps.
Coordination Optimization: Strengthen coordination mechanisms with stakeholders in the institutional project for the effective implementation of guidance programs.
Family Engagement: Develop strategies to increase family involvement in monitoring the academic and personal paths of learners.
Continuous Adaptation: Given the constant evolution in the field, maintain an adaptable and innovative approach to address new challenges.
Future Studies: Encourage future studies to deepen the understanding of best practices and effective solutions in the context of E-Orientation.
This study provides a solid foundation to guide future efforts in improving E-Orientation, emphasizing the importance of comparative analysis with existing literature for a comprehensive and informed perspective.

Furthermore,
Su and Hu (2021)  conducted a mixed-methods study on the efficacy of school-based E-Guidance in China for university students.Their results revealed that school-based E-Guidance was effective in providing students with information about careers and professional training opportunities, as well as enhancing their career planning.Students also expressed greater satisfaction with guidance services through school-based E-Guidance.A study byChen and Zeng (2020)  examined the impact of school-based E-Guidance on the career prospects of Chinese students, demonstrating that students with access to school-based E-Guidance were more satisfied with their career prospects than those without access.Other research endeavors have enriched the understanding of school-based E-Guidance.For instance, Williams et al.'s (2020) study evaluated the effectiveness of school-based E-Guidance interventions in students' career decision-making, Qeios, CC-BY 4.0 • Article, December 11, 2023 Qeios ID: 1M1QX5 • https://doi.org/10.32388/1M1QX5demonstrating that online interventions were effective in increasing students' knowledge and confidence in their career choices.Similarly, Li et al.'s (2019) study highlighted the positive impact of school-based E-Guidance platforms in China, enabling students to gain a better understanding of their interests and career goals.Finally, Vural et al.'s (2018) study demonstrated that school-based E-Guidance services in Turkey could assist students in self-discovery, exploring career options, and making informed decisions.

H 2 :
Psychological and social support services provided by educational guidance professionals have significantly influenced learners' ability to navigate the challenges of distance learning.H 3 : Learners who have benefited from the advice of educational guidance professionals have experienced greater success in their learning journeys during the coronavirus pandemic.H 4 : Successful coordination of various stakeholders involved in the provision of educational guidance services has contributed to the overall success of these services during the coronavirus pandemic.Haut du formulaire Methodology This research endeavor was conducted by our research team within the Provincial Directorate of Hay Hassani, part of the Regional Academy of Education and Training (AREF) in Casablanca-Settat.The primary objective of this study was to assess the various activities undertaken within the research theme, namely e-guidance.To achieve this goal, we Qeios, CC-BY 4.0 • Article, December 11, 2023 Qeios ID: 1M1QX5 • https://doi.org/10.32388/1M1QX54/12 -Orientation Services During the Pandemic: Despite the challenges imposed by the pandemic, our commitment to ensuring the continuity of E-Orientation services proved crucial.Orientation professionals adapted their practices by offering personalized consultations, thus providing Qeios, CC-BY 4.0 • Article, December 11, 2023 Qeios ID: 1M1QX5 • https://doi.org/10.32388/1M1QX56/12 individualized support to learners.These efforts align with the recommendations of Smith et al. (2020), emphasizing the importance of flexible and adaptive orientation services during times of crisis.Furthermore, the provision of psychosocial support services played a crucial role in helping learners cope with emotional challenges, confirming the findings of Jones et al.'s (2021) study on the positive impact of psychosocial interventions during the pandemic.
pressing need for training for guidance leaders, in accordance with the recommendations of White andBrown (2018), underscores the importance of adaptability among guidance professionals to ongoing developments.Coordination issues and the lack of transportation means, consistent with the findings ofMiller et al. (2019), emphasize the necessity for strategic planning to overcome geographical obstacles.

Table 1 .
Activities and Outcomes of E-Orientation