Table of Contents

  • Opening
  • Training Methods
  • Guidelines for Behavior
  • The Jedi Code
  • Who is in Charge?
  • How to Register Here
  • Starting Your Courses
  • Length of Courses
  • Homework, Projects, and Tests
  • Blue Books and Journals
  • Benefits of Graduating
  • Teaching at the Academy Forum
  • Recognizing Status from Another Website
  • Need Help or More Information?
  • Conclusion



  • Opening

    Welcome to the JEDI Academy Overview.

    This serves as a basic guideline as to how the Jedi Academy works. Our focus is on Jedi training. There are many ways in which we teach, yet before you learn about these methods, we need to give you an idea of what we actually do here.

    We hope you realize this type of training isn't officially recognized by societial standards or offline institutions. What we attempt to do here is set up an active learning center where people can learn about the Jedi. As stated within our Mission Statement, our mission at JEDI is to be a forerunner in providing the best information and training we can to assist you on your journey as a Jedi Realist. To do this requires a lot of attention to details. As you progress through this section,  we hope you will see how our system works and how that system will benefit your learning goals.




    Training Methods

    One of the basic things you need to know before you explore this section is that there are four different types of learning programs, also known as training methods. These four different methods provide flexibility in teaching  the Jedi ways. As you should know, all people are different. We do not all learn in the same way. By providing these methods, we hope everyone will be able to work towards their learning goals. Here is an outline as to how these four methods work:

    • The Academy/University Method - This is when a qualified intructor teaches students within a classroom setting. In other words, the Academy method allows courses to be taught in a style you may find at a college or university. It's a more modern format.
    • The Traditional Method - You are probably more familiar with this format in regards  to Jedi training. Basically, a mentor teaches a student in a private, one-on-one setting. This is the most original format. Keep in mind this method may vary. For example, a mentor might teach two students instead of one.
    • The Solo Method - Sometimes, a student wishes to learn on one's own. They work better by themselves. We can understand this. What this method is about is allowing a student to teach themselves within a controlled setting. It's a very loose format. This doesn't mean the person can just learn anything they want; there is a basic criteria they have to generally follow in order for us to recognize their effort.
    • The Praxeum Method - What this method allows is a unique format which students learn from another Jedi website/school other than JEDI. In other words, it is an external setting. Praxeums can be looked at as finishing schools, a school teaching specific educational skills while focusing on the basics. An example might be a Jedi school which presents a Taoist aspect to their teachings. Before you decide to train at another area, please contact the Faculty first to ensure that it is an approved venue.

    Each of these methods has their benefits as well as their flaws. If you are a student, it is your responsibility to choose which method is right for you. You may want to test each of these methods out for yourself. It isn't uncommon for students to train in all four methods at different stages of their learning.





    Guidelines for Behavior

    Our simple guidelines are very clear and very easy to uphold. If you have an open mind and are willing to work with us, you shouldn't have any problem keeping them.

    First of all, we keep our forums in a setting which the general audience can view. We like to keep it no higher than a PG rating. This, of course, means no foul language or graphic sexual discussion. Anything which flouts this (such as jokes or pictures) will be taken very seriously. Persistent breaches will result in the banning of the individual doing this.

    Second, we allow our members and visitors to hold their own individual perceptions and views, even if it is against the tenets of what is taught here. What this means is that we prefer you to respect personal opinions. Please, do not tear a person down due to their personal views. If you can't agree, agree to disagree politely.

    Third, we simply ask you to do what you know you should do. Treat others as you would want to be treated. We are sure there are many ways to get around these guidelines. We consider all scenarios and will enforce penalties if need be.

    All of these rules are fairly obvious. We are not going to go any deeper into this matter than we have already. Besides, we, as Jedi, should be able serve others on a consistant basis. By serving others, we respect their ways. Please respect ours.





    The Jedi Code

    The Jedi Code is a small creed or saying, reminding the Jedi of their duties. There have been many versions of the code. We use the traditional version since many people are aware of its existance. It is also easy to say and memorize. Here is the code we exclaim in memorandum to our cause:

    There is no Emotion ~ There is Peace.
    There is no Ignorance ~ There is Knowledge.
    There is no Passion ~ There is Serenity.
    There is no Death ~ There is the Force.


    We know there are many ways to interpret these words. We simply see this code as a guide. We teach courses here to help you understand it anyway. Sure, there are times we may break the code, times we don't act the way we should. This doesn't make us any less of a Jedi. It is what we consistently stand for which makes us who we are. To be a Jedi is to strive to uphold our values, not find ways to break them.




    Who is in Charge?

    Inari is the Principal of the Academy, with Angelusi and Nyara Tye as the Vice Principals. In addition to them, there is also a set of faculty members who maintain the Academy, comprising of various instructors, counselors, and helpers. If you have any questions or comments to give them, they can be reached by E-mailing faculty@thejedi.org or check out our Faculty contact list.





    How to Register Here

    THIS SECTION NEEDS REWRITING!!!!!


    So, let us say you have just came here and you want to join. What next?

    You should register for an account at www.ezboard.com first if you don't have one yet. Our Academy Forum is powered by them. Even though you may want to be part of the Training Method or the Solo Method, the Academy Forum looks over these things. In other words, it isn't just a forum for courses. We also recommend you do this if you choose the Praxeum Method. This way, we keep track of your progress.

    We also recommend you create a Global account instead of a Local acount. This is not compulsory, but allows you access to additional features and creates an ongoing identity for you to use throughout this website (and other websites as well).

    Please, take the time to complete the Public Profile within your Ezboard account (you may keep certain details private if you wish, although we do ask you display your E-mail address and allow personal messages), as it gives us some background information on you. We want to know if you are for real.

    Also, please note that joining Ezboard is separate from joining the Academy Forum, and also separate from joining JEDI as a JEDI Member. If you complete the registration on the main JEDI website, this does not enroll you at the Academy Forum, or visa-versa.

    Once you created your Ezboard acount, you may now fill out a Student Application Form which can be found in the Application section of the Jedi Academy. The Academy will use this information in order to help you through your academics and provide you with the best service we can. All information you provide to us through this Application Form will be considered confidential information and will not in any way, shape, or form be accessable or released to public viewing. You may send the form by email to apply@thejedi.org
    • Students choosing the Academy Method - After being accepted into the Academy, go to the Course Catalog at the Academy Forum and post under a topic which is offering a class in which you want to participate. Be sure to note the date the class officially starts and other vital information given by the instructor of the course. Follow the instructions there. When it is time for the course to start, go back to the Academy Forum and find where it is being held. Once you are active there and have started the class, you will be a Probationer. After you have completed your first course, you will be enrolled as a full Student.

    • Students choosing the Traditional Method - After being accepted into the Academy, go to the Course Catalog and post under the Traditional Method Training topic. A different application will be sent to you so that we may better aid in matching you with a mentor. After being paired, you may then proceed to the Traditional Training Area at the Academy Forum and view the contents there.

    • Students choosing the Solo Method - After being accepted into the Academy, go to the Course Catalog and post under the Solo Training topic. You may then proceed to the Solo Training Area at the Academy Forum and view the contents there. Please, follow the instructions. We will present you a basic criteria for you to use. Please, make sure you check in from time to time.

    • Students choosing the Praxeum Method - In addition to filling out the Student Application form, go to the Praxeum School link at the Education section. View the different websites/schools that we approve. After you do this, go visit the website/school and see if you are allowed to be trained there. If you are able to be trained there, let us know about it at the Counselor Office at the Academy Forum. This way, we are able to keep a record of you. Be sure to check in from time to time so we can update your status.

    Please note that this is not an automated process. Some things may go wrong. If you are missed out, a simple email to academy@thejedi.org will alert the faculty to the oversight. Please show some patience and consideration. Also, should you wish to leave the Academy for any reason, we would appreciate it if you would inform us of the fact before you leave.

    Yes, you are allowed to post and join certain discussions at the Academy Forum as a Bystander. A Bystander is a person who is not part of any of the methods. Please, if you decide to do this, don't interrupt the classes in progress.




    Starting Your Courses

    Many students choose the Academy method since we are able to put more attention towards it. If you decide to start out with this method, you need to take all courses marked as "Mandatory," such as Adept 1, Creed 1, Essential 1, Force 1, etc. Please note that many of the courses require prerequisites before you can take any of the more advanced courses, Mandatory or Elective. For example, Essential 2 requires that you pass Essential 1 first.  There is also a limit of 3 topics per term, and study is divided into Basic and Advanced.

    When each course is completed, the instructor will give you a grade (sometimes a simple pass or fail) and will record your progress. You will need to complete all of the Mandatory topics as well as electives. Once you have passed all of the courses in the Basic course of study, you will work with the Faculty to determine your Advanced coursework. Once you havecompleted  all of the requirements for your Advanced study,  you will undertake Trials. Passing of the trials will enable you to graduate as a Jedi (Knight).

    Realize that your education doesn't have to stop there. Even though you may be a Jedi Knight, we highly encourage you to keep going. You are encouraged to make learning a lifelong pursuit.





    Length of Courses

    Most courses at the Academy take about two months, depending on the Instructor and the material covered.

    Generally, Instructors post once or twice a week. Be sure you let the Instructor know if you cannot make it to a course during a certain period of time, due to a vacation, appointment, or other activity. If your schedule won't allow you to participate at the course for at least half the time, it is recommended you don't take the course until you free up your schedule.




    Homework, Projects, and Tests

    Most courses at the Academy require you to turn in homework. This homework is usually in the form of posting comments or questions about the lectures or giving personal observations. Some courses may require you to E-mail your homework to the Instructor or give an oral presentation on an Instant Messenger service. Homework is generally known to be a very important part of your grade.

    Some of the courses will require you to do a project. This may be a book assignment, an interview, a reflection on the course, etc. It's very likely if you don't do the project, you will not pass the course. These projects are assigned to give you a chance to apply what you have learned in the course.

    Most courses incorporate an exam. The exams are usually open note and require you to turn it in before a certain date. For example, Adept 1 requires you to E-mail the Instructor the answers to the exam by a certain date or you won't pass. Some Instructors may be more lenient while others may be more strict. It all depends on their teaching styles. We recommend you find this out first before taking the course.




    Blue Books and Journals

    Some of the Instructors require you to compile a "Blue Book" or "Journal" which keeps all of your assignments and observations together for a class. Even if you find you don't really have to keep one for a course, all Probationers and Students should start one in the Locker Room. These can be used for your own personal thoughts, lecture notes (please refrain from copy-pasting entire lectures, that's what Hard Drives are for), homework, instructions on projects, schedules, notes, pretty much whatever you want relating to the Academy.

    The Faculty will keep an eye on these things to gauge your progress and judge if any additional help, guidance, or resources are needed. Remember these are used for the use of the Student alone. No one else should post within a Journal unless given expressed consent. Otherwise, if an Instructor has any comments or advice, they should be E-Mailed to the Student or brought up somewhere else.





    Benefits of Graduating

    Graduating from the Academy is a great accomplishment. Not only will JEDI recognize your graduating status, but other Jedi websites will appreciate the effort you made as well. It will aid you in establishing your reputation. The great thing about this is that you will be able to work on important tasks and functions at JEDI if you desire to do so. Jobs at JEDI mainly require you to have experience at the Education section. If we know you do well here, we know you will do well helping us run the website.

    The best thing about graduating though is it will give you a sense of accomplishment. Some Jedi websites may give you Jedi rankings without hardly any experience on your part; at JEDI, you know you have received quality education about the Jedi lifestyle we practice. This, in itself, is worth the effort.




    Teaching at the Academy Forum

    In order to become an Instructor or act as a Mentor at the Academy Forum, we need to know you are qualified to do this task. Please post in the Counselling office, or contact the Faculty. You will then receive an application form and be interviewed as to your suitabilty and experience. Should  you be approved, we'll ensure you have the resources necessary to do what you need to do.



    Recognizing Status from Another Website

    Yes, you are allowed to have your status recognized if you were on another website. What we mean by this is that we might be able to recognize your level/rank here. This, though, depends on you and the website from which you come. If you believe you already have the knowledge and skills to be recognised as either a Jedi Scholar, Jedi Knight, or Jedi Guardian at JEDI, then you may apply for the appropriate Eqivalency Exam. You can apply for an Equivalency Exam at the Counselor Office at the Academy Forum. Realize this doesn't mean you are automatically recognized. We have to approve it first. NOTE: We are currently updating our Equivalency Exam. Therefore, this option is unavailable at the moment.



    Need Help or More Information?

    You can always contact us by mailing academy@thejedi.org. The Counselors are also there to help answer your questions or solve any problems you have. We don't mind if it is dealing with a course, an Instructor, or your records. If you have a problem, we want to hear from you. Don't wait until it is too late.



    Conclusion
    REWRITE THIS!
    Please remember we do not have all the answers. Sometimes, this assumption leads to mistakes of bad judgment and character. The Force is with others, other teachers, learners, and websites who do their best to help us learn. We hope you look at other places first before making the Education section your training area.

    Much of what we do here is done at the Academy Forum. Note there are other alternatives than just staying at the Forum. You can read the Lectures at the Lectures Section, take part in the Discussion Forum, or have a chat in our Chat Room.

    Keep in mind the Education section is strictly online for the time being. Of course, we should practice what we learn here in our realities, focusing on where we are at this very moment. This section may grow and use other features to teach the arts of the Jedi later on (we strive to do so), though sometimes things don't work out exactly as planned.

    As we begin to grow, we will have other tools to help you learn about the ways of the Jedi. Please stay tuned. Keep an eye out for any new passages we may place here at a later date. We enforce the most recent guidelines we set up.

    After all is said and done, we simply want to thank you for taking the time to read this. We thank you for coming to see what we are about and hope you will have one of the best experiences possible here. Just remember that learning is the key to understanding.

    Last modified: Sunday, 9 July 2006, 06:57 AM