What does the ALE SPP advocate regarding technological competence?

The ALE Standards of Professional Practice emphasize the importance of technological competence as a key component of professional development and service delivery. Striving to be proficient with current technologies relevant to one’s practice enhances a professional's ability to provide effective solutions and stay relevant in an ever-evolving field. Embracing current technologies not only improves efficiency but also enriches the service offered to clients, as they benefit from up-to-date tools and methods.

Being proficient allows professionals to leverage technology to analyze data, communicate effectively, and implement strategies that align with modern practices. This understanding of technology fosters an environment of innovation and responsiveness to client needs and industry standards. In contrast, disregarding outdated technologies might limit a professional’s effectiveness or create gaps in their skill set, while suggesting that technological competence is unnecessary overlooks the integral role that technology plays in today’s professional landscape. Teaching clients all aspects of technology, while valuable, is not a primary focus of the Standards and might not be realistic given clients’ varying levels of understanding and interest in technology.