Student orientation program: a guide for higher education in Lebanon

The country of Lebanon lacks career orientation and student counseling at the high school and college freshman levels. In response to that need, we are developing in the Multimedia Center of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at the American University of Beirut (AUB) a multimedia software package that offers help to students seeking university education. We conducted a needs analysis using questionnaires on a stratified random sample of high school and freshman university students. The results were used to tailor the content and design of the program to student needs and their computer literacy level. The student orientation program (SOP) is trilingual-English, French and Arabic-package developed using Asymetrix Multimedia Toolbook to be shipped on a CD-ROM. Users will find information about all universities in Lebanon and the respective majors offered as well as brief descriptions of professional fields of study, and scholarships available in Lebanon. Moreover potential university students have the choice to solve typical real life problems related to the field of study under investigation. Among other options, they can view video clip interviews with professionals and academicians that could answer typical questions. Finally, SOP provides self-assessment to help students identify potential career paths and domains of study to make a better choice for their future. We intend to distribute this CD-ROM to high schools in Lebanon and the Middle East in an attempt to improve career guidance in the region.