In this book
- Your readings, one lesson at a time
- Trail Tools you can fill in and save
- Each Mile Marker, with support for every question
- The Merit Guide and the STAR(T) Stories Guide
Start here
How to Use This Book
How the book and Blackboard fit together, and how to keep your work safe.
A few minutes here will save you time all semester.
The Pathfinder Guidebook holds the readings for FYE 100, plus tools you can fill in as you go. Your course in Blackboard is where you submit work, see due dates, and check your grades. This page shows how the two fit together, how each module is laid out, and how to keep your work safe.
The book and Blackboard
In Blackboard
- Due dates and points
- Where you submit your work
- AI Chats, discussions, and journals
- Your grades and feedback
The book never lists due dates, because they can change from section to section. When you see "Check Blackboard for the due date," that's where to look.
How each module is laid out
Every module follows the same pattern, so once you know one, you know them all.
- Overview
Module overview
Why the module matters, what you'll be able to do by the end (your "I can" goals), and the skills you'll build. Start here.
- Trail Tool
Trail Tools
Worksheets you fill in right on the page. They sit at the top of the module because you'll use them as you read, and they feed the Mile Marker.
- Lesson
Lessons
Short readings, usually 5 to 10 minutes each. Most modules open with a Skill Spotlight on one of the 10 Essential Skills.
- Trail Tip
Trail Tips
Practical how-tos: setting up an account, finding a resource, or figuring out how something works.
- Mile Marker
Mile Marker
The module's main assignment, with help for each question and a form you can fill in and save as a PDF.
- Wrap Up
Wrap Up
Key takeaways and one question to reflect on before you head back to Blackboard.
Keep your work safe
When you type into a Trail Tool or a Mile Marker form, your answers save automatically, but only in this browser, on this device. They are not sent anywhere, and nobody else can see them.
That keeps your work private. It also means your answers won't follow you. You'll lose them if you:
- switch to a different computer, phone, or browser
- use a private or incognito window
- clear your browser's history or site data
Pathfinder Tip
Make a habit of it: finish a form, select Save as PDF, and keep the file in your OneDrive. Then it's safe no matter what device you're on.
Saving a PDF
Type your name
Every form needs your name before it will save, so your instructor knows whose work it is.
Select Save as PDF
In the print window, choose Save as PDF (or Microsoft Print to PDF) as the printer. On a phone the print window looks different; look for an option to save as a PDF or save to your files.
Upload it to Blackboard
The file is named for the assignment and your name, like "Mile Marker #3 - Your Name." Upload it to the matching assignment. You can also type or paste your answers straight into Blackboard instead.
AI use labels
Every Mile Marker has a label near the top that tells you how AI can be used on it: No AI, AI-supported, or AI-integrated. Many also include an optional prompt you can try. Using AI is never required.
Lessons include short AI Literacy boxes, tagged with the BE behavior they build: BE Safe, BE Honest, BE Critical, BE Responsible, or BE Reflective.
Getting around
- Home and Contents. The buttons at the top of every page take you to the book's home page or straight to the list of modules.
- The module menu. The list on the left shows every page in the module and the sections of the page you're on. On a phone, tap Lessons to open it.
- Previous and Next. The buttons at the bottom of each page take you through the module in order.
- Margin notes. Boxes beside the reading give you a Key term, a Pathfinder Tip, or a place to Look back at. On a phone, they appear in the reading.
- Outside links open in a new tab, so you never lose your place in the book.
The guides
Two guides at the back of the book cover things you'll use all semester:
- The Merit Guide: setting up your Merit page, finding activities, and writing your reflections.
- The STAR(T) Stories Guide: your capstone, with a practice guide for each story.
Reading your way
The book works on a phone, tablet, or computer. You can zoom in, use a screen reader, or print any page. If something in the book doesn't work for you, tell your instructor. If you have a disability or think you might need an accommodation, OCTC Accessibility Services (opens in a new tab) can help.
Questions about an assignment or a due date? Ask your instructor.