1. Unit 1 Course Orientation
In High School Course: Preparing for
College & Career

2. Getting Started Why is this unit important?
Foundation for all other units
Contains vital information
Central to success in this course
Welcome to Unit 1 of this course on Preparing for College and Career! This unit was prepared by course developers Glynis Bradfield and Keri Conwell. In each unit, you will find a unit introduction video. These videos will prepare you to start each unit by focusing you on the major objectives for the unit and introducing you to the major projects that the unit covers.
So let’s get started! This unit is an introduction to this course, CLICK
and provides a foundation for all the other units. CLICK
It contains vital information about this course, including how to use the major tools and how to get help. CLICK
Understanding the information in this unit is central for success in this course. CLICK
Keri Conwell
Glynis Bradfield

3. In this unit Course objectives Tools used in the course
Communication expectations
Discussion forum
How to get help
How to get credit
As you go through this unit, you will find that each lesson is designed to answer questions that are important to consider as you prepare to work through this course.
Lesson 1 will answer the questions What are the objectives for this course? What are the major tools for the course, and how do I use them?
Lesson 2 will answer the questions What are the expectations for how I communicate within this course? How can I use the discussion forum and other tools to connect with my fellow students in a positive way?
Lesson 3 will answer the questions Who should I contact if I need help with the course, and how do I contact them? How can I get credit for this course?
Image: istock

4. Projects? This unit focused on information No major projects
Prepare for unit quiz
Most unit introduction videos will include an overview of major projects for the unit that you may want to get started on early. This unit, however, is focused primarily on giving you information about the course and the online class environment (also known as the course space), so there are no major projects. You will, however, want to pay close attention to the information in this unit both for your own use throughout the course and in preparation for a quiz at the end of the unit over the information covered. Most of the units include a similar quiz, so completing all readings and videos for each unit is important even when there is not a specific activity attached to them.
Image: Pixabay

5. Tips for succeeding in online classes
Know your motivation
Be organized with your time and materials
Create and follow a regular schedule
Control distractions
Have multiple ways to access course content
Connect with others
An online classroom works quite differently from a regular classroom, and some students find them quite difficult. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of succeeding in this class, and in other online classes.
First, you need to know what your motivation is for taking the course. Online learning requires a lot of self-control. If you know why the course is important to you, it will make it much easier for you to keep yourself motivated to continue when you struggle or are tempted to quit.
Second, you need to be organized with your time and materials. Make sure you keep all your files for this course in one place so you can return to them easily if needed. Also, create and follow a regular schedule for working on the online course. You should expect to spend about 1 hour on the material in each lesson and 1 hour on the assignments for the lesson, although the time you need may vary from lesson to lesson.
Third, control your distractions. Work by yourself or with other students who are actively studying. Find ways to prevent yourself from being distracted by social media, texts from friends, etc.
Fourth, have multiple ways to access course content if possible. This particular course generally works best with a laptop computer, but a tablet or smartphone can be useful for times when you are not able to use a computer.
Last, find ways to connect with other people in the course. This can include participating with fellow students on the discussion boards or contacting your teachers for help.
Image: Pixabay

6. Feel Free to Come Back! results
Pay close attention as you work through this unit’s information, and feel free to come back if you need to as you go through the course.
Feel Free to Come Back!

7. Course Progress Orientation Mindsets & Personal Mapping
Personal Management
Learning Strategies
Starting Early
Career Exploration
Choosing a College
Financing College
Living your Calling
Course Sponsors:
Andrews University
CIRCLE.adventist.org
Adventist Learning Community
Griggs International Academy