Project Based Learning Electives provided by the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy
Computer Basics for College Bound Students Fall 2025
All students must complete a project for these classes.
Instructor: Mark Pelfrey
Email: pelfreyfamilyschooling@gmail.com
Day & Time: Asynchronous course; students complete assignments by weekly deadlines.
Start Date: Week of September 2nd
Location: Online, Google Classroom
Grades: Grades 6 – 12 (younger students may need more assistance than older students)
Course Description: College-bound students need more than academic knowledge – they need digital literacy. This beginner-friendly course equips students with practical skills in topics that will be essential to their success throughout their academic careers. If you are headed to college, you want your tech skills to be ready for the challenge!
Each week, students will complete hands-on, practical projects that will mimic skills used in nearly all college courses today. From computer basics, key details about commonly used programs, and even including sections on learning management systems and creating shared presentations, students will come away from this course prepared to step into their college classes with confidence.
Students will be able to use Google Workspace applications (Docs, Spreadsheets, Slides, etc.) or comparable Microsoft products for submissions, but the course will be based in Google Workspace. Students will need regular access to a computing device that can run these applications, and will probably find the course easier with a keyboard/mouse as well.
*Please note: it is important to make as informed a decision as possible when choosing your student's Community Resource classes. Most locations will allow a student to drop a class after one meeting, at no charge if it wasn't a good fit for the student, but not all. Some classes plan ahead based on the number that have signed up and have purchased materials, hired teachers, etc. and there might be a fee for class time or materials given to the student if the student drops after one or two meetings. The school cannot pay for classes that students do not complete, so choose wisely; if you do not take the class off of your student's schedule by the deadline, you may be asked to pay for the class time incurred prior to dropping the class.
Teacher of Record: Mark Ring
