CALM COURSE OUTLINE

Program Overview

Successful completion of CALM is a provincial requirement for obtaining a high school diploma in Alberta. This course is aimed at giving students a glimpse of what is out there in the real world which they will soon enter. The course contains strands that deal with personal identity, independent living, careers, health, and relationships.

As one can see, this course attempts to prepare students for "life in the real world." The question "What do I need this for?" as often posed by many students in other courses, will have no bearing here. It is hoped that students will see the obvious value of being prepared to face the challenges of life in the real world. It must not be mistaken that students need to be equipped with academic skills; however, one would be better off if such skills are complemented by useful "tools of practical living." Thus, being prepared academically with a dash of practicality will provide for a calm, stress free life journey. Through examining different issues we will attempt to give students some strategies to make the transition from school life to real life.

In anticipation of, and in keeping with the revised program of studies currently being developed for CALM 20, the spiritual dimension of all human life is now an integral part of this online course. Knowingly or unknowingly, decision making is influenced by several factors of which the spiritual dimension is but one of them.

"The spiritual dimension influences and is influenced by aspects of self worth, resilience and the development of personal assets to make healthy choices. Students explore the spiritual dimension as they consider personal meaning and purpose in life, and develop and demonstrate caring for self and others in family, peer, school and community roles. Through a variety of activities, students discover that all dimensions are interdependent and interrelated, and produce a synergy that can improve overall health and well-being." (Senior High Life Skills, Alberta Learning, 2000)

Prerequisites

• Successful completion of "Orientation to Online Learning"

Evaluation

• Film Assignments - 20%
• Web Quests - 15%
• Unit Tests - 10%
• Discussion and Chat Line - 15%
• Final Examination - 40%

General Expectations

• Students must complete their course with in the time limits specified by their instructor.
• Instructors will provide completion dates for assignments, quizzes, and exams on the calendar within each course. Since these dates reflect the time needed to complete each section of the course, it is critical that meet all deadlines. Students are required to contact their instructor regarding any changes to these deadlines. Assignments that are not submitted by the deadline will be assessed a mark of 0 (zero).
• Students that fail to meet their course deadlines, even for a short period, may be required to meet with the administration to discuss their progress.
• Students must maintain regular contact with their instructor via the communication tools provided in their course. A minimum of two contacts per week is expected.
• Revelation Online is a "virtual" school. Students are expected to participate in chat and discussion sessions designated by the instructor. Chat sessions will be posted on the course calendar.
• Technical issues will occur and are not an excuse for late or missing assignments. Students are expected to manage their time so that minor delays due to technical problems do not result in missing deadlines. Students are expected to contact Technical Support if they experience technical problems.

Technical Skills and Equipment Requirements

• Students must have internet access. A high speed connection, either ADSL or cable, is necessary in some courses.
• Skill in using a web browser to navigate the web to locate educational resources and download files.
• File management skills necessary to create directories, save files, and retrieve files.
• Ability to use email to send messages and attachments.
• A Java enabled browser, either Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape Communicator 6.0 or higher.
• Word processor such as Microsoft Office or OpenOffice.

Face-to-Face Requirements

• Students are required to write two exams (mid-term and final) at the testing centre located at the Revelation Online Centre.
• Students may be required to attend appointments with the school counsellor if their progress becomes a problem.