Q1. Why is CareerForward navigation different from that of my browser?
A. The navigation within CareerForward is different than that of your browser to make it clear that navigating CareerForwardis not the same as moving through a website using the normal forward and back buttons.

In CareerForward there is a main menu from which you may move to any of the four Modules within the course, as well as access the Overview when you're getting started. Each Module has a Challenge Cycle which consists of five steps. These are numbered to indicate the order in which they should be done, and a radar sweep adds emphasis to that.

For the person who wishes to jump to another part of the course, they can access their current cycle by clicking Challenge Cycle, which is found at the bottom left of the course window, or by clicking Main Menu to return to the beginning of the course.

Q2. What are the technical requirements for CareerForward?
A. The CareerForward course was designed to deliver high-quality multimedia content efficiently to students using Adobe Flash, which is now installed on over 95% of personal computers with access to the Internet. Due to imbedded audio files, students need a multimedia computer with headphones, and access to MVU servers, or your school's local installation of CareerForward. The most recent version of Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari is recommended. Remember, Flash must be installed to access the course components and Adobe Reader is needed to access imbedded documents.

Q3. In Blackboard when using Firefox, CareerForward does not start. What should I do?
A. When trying to access CareerForward using Firefox there are a few steps that need to be followed in order to get results. The instructions and pictures below take you through the proper steps. After logging in to Blackboard and choosing the CareerForward class you should be at a screen similar to this.

 

After you click on the link that says CareerForward (see yellow arrow above), you should then see a screen like this.

 

Click on the link that says Click to Launch. The next screen should open in a new window and look similar to this.

 

In order to get CareerForward to launch in Firefox, you will need to click on the link on the left that says MVU_CareerForward. This will launch the program for you in the Blackboard environment and should look similar to the image below.

Q4. What access do I have to the MVU Help Desk?
A. Students can access the Help Desk to resolve Blackboard login ID or password problems. Teachers and school technical support personnel should attempt to address additional CareerForward issues before calling the Help Desk. If they cannot resolve the issue, then either the technical support person or teacher who has been working on the issue should call. If issues are encountered that are not covered here, please let us know what they are so that we may improve this FAQ. Send email to careerforward@mivu.org.

Q5. When running CareerForward outside Blackboard, there is a Register/Login screen. How does that work?
A. The first time you use a non-Blackboard version of CareerForward on a given computer you must register and provide a login and password. If you return to that same machine, you can use the same login and password. Usernames and passwords are not stored anywhere on the network or Internet, so a student must use the same computer or register a new account when using a new machine. One of the benefits of using Blackboard is that it maintains each student's login ID and password on a central server and the student can access their cFWD profile from any machine with Internet access.

When running CareerForward outside Blackboard, one further implication is that the Progress Report can report only about the session that student had completed while using that machine. If a student moves among multiple computers, they will get accurate progress reports only for the session they are currently working on.

Q6. How much teacher involvement should I expect while taking CareerForward?
A. Students will gain the most benefit from CareerForward if their teacher is actively facilitating their learning. Note that CareerForward is different from some online courses in that the students are all from the same school. In this setting, the teacher has direct contact with all of his or her students, and can pick up upon important questions or opportunities that arise from the online learning, as well as assist any students who are having any trouble with the course content. In order for the student to get optimal results, they should consult a teacher, counselor or parent to discuss the things they are learning in the CareerForward class. Equally important we encourage students to talk about CareerForward with other students. Sharing reactions, viewpoints, and ideas with fellow students is one of the best ways to take advantage of CareerForward.

Q7. Can I take CareerForward entirely on my own, and should I?
A. Yes, but we recommend that students take CareerForward as part of their local school, but this is not always an option. A web-based, non-Blackboard version of the course is available that doesn't require a teacher. This self-directed and self-paced version may be appropriate for individual exploration and learning outside the classroom. This approach works best if the student is motivated and adept as an independent learner. If this is your situation we highly recommend that you attempt the course on your own because, for most students, the desire to take action on their future is the most powerful motivator of all. While teachers can be very helpful and facilitate learning, CareerForward was created in a way that a student can complete the entire class on their own if that fits their situation. If you are taking CareerForward to fulfill your online learning requirement for graduation, make sure to contact your local teacher or counselor to make sure it is recorded as part of your official transcript.

Q8. If I don't have Internet access, is there an alternative way I can access CareerForward?
A. Yes, but it is only accessible through your school. Ask your teacher or counselor to email careerforward@mivu.org for information.

Q9. myDreamExplorter is used in the CareerForward course, how do I get a password so I can take advantage of the free myDreamExplorer?
A. With CareerForward, there are exercises that require the use of a career planning tool to complete, including the creation of an electronic EDP, or educational development plan. However, schools are free to use any career planning tool of their choice with CareerForward, including Bridges, Career Cruising, or the MVU no-cost myDreamExplorer^® application. Gaining access to mydreamexplorer is covered in the CareerForward course, specifically in the first module. If you are taking this course as part of your school curriculum, ask your teacher about accessing mydreamexplorer, or the substitute career development program your school may be using. If you have trouble remembering your username and password speak to your teacher or call the Help Desk at 888-889-2840.

Q10. I sometimes get an "Unable to Aquire LMS API " error when running CareerForward.
A. This error occurs when the Java Runtime Enviornment installed on your machine is not the current version. In order to fix this issue, download and install the latest version of JavaTM SE Runtime Environment by clicking here.