Grumoaldo Philippus Sipahutar; Eka Putri Nauliana; Roy Sihombing; Ida Mona Sidabutar; Tessalonik H.A Hasugian
The rapid development of digital technology has encouraged schools to adapt counseling services to the needs of students in the modern era. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of the transformation of guidance and counseling services toward the digital era through a digital counseling audit at SMP N 18 Medan. The study used a descriptive evaluative approach with mixed methods involving guidance counselors and students as research subjects. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and documentation related to digital counseling services. The findings showed that digital counseling services had begun to be implemented through online communication media such as WhatsApp and digital learning materials. Both counselors and students responded positively to the implementation of digital counseling because it was considered more flexible and accessible. However, the audit results indicated that the school was still in the transition category because several aspects such as digital databases, online assessment systems, and integrated counseling platforms had not been fully developed. The study implies that schools need to strengthen digital infrastructure, improve counselor digital competence, and develop more integrated counseling systems to support student needs in the digital era.