Self Assessment

Welcome! We are pleased that you are interested in using distance learning to increase your knowledge or complete a degree. We are certain you, too, will be pleased by this experience.

Online courses. Participation in online courses requires particular equipment, including a fairly powerful computer and a connection to the Internet and an independent learning style. These courses will use conferencing software and e-mail to enhance learning via increased access to faculty experts, who will guide you through the course. But your interaction with faculty and students will be by e-mail.

How well would an Online course fit your circumstances and life-style? Select one answer for each question and score as directed below.

1. My need to take this course now is
a. high - I need it immediately for degree, job, or other important reason. b. moderate - I could take it on campus later or substitute another course. c. low - it's a personal interest that could be postponed.

2. Socializing with my classmates is
a. not particularly necessary to me. b. somewhat important to me. c. very important to me.

3. I would classify myself as someone whom
a. often gets things done ahead of time. b. needs reminding to get things done on time. c. puts things off until the last minute.

4. Classroom discussion is
a. rarely helpful to me. b. sometimes helpful to me. c. almost always helpful to me.

5. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer
a. figuring out the instructions myself. b. trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed. c. having the instructions explained to me.

6. If my computer broke down
a. I would use the one at work or a friend's. b. I would have to get a professional to fix it. c. I would have to drop the course.

7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on an online course is
a. more than enough for a campus class. b. the same as for a class on campus. c. less than for a class on campus.

8. When I am asked to use software, computers, voice mail, or other technologies new to me
a. I look forward to learning new skills. b. I feel apprehensive, but try anyway. c. I put it off or try to avoid it.

9. As a reader, I would classify myself as
a. good - I usually understand the text without help. b. average - I sometimes need help to understand the text. c. slower than average.

10. If I have to go to a test center to take final exams
a. I can go anytime. b. I may find it difficult on a set schedule c. I will have difficulty getting to a test center, even in the evenings and on weekends.

Scoring:

3 points are given for each "A" that you selected, 2 for each "B," and 1 for each "C." If you scored 20 or more, an online course is a real possibility for you.
If you scored between 11 and 20, online courses may work for you, but you may need to make a few adjustments in your schedule and study habits to succeed.
If you scored 10 or less, online courses may not currently be the best alternative for you; talk to your advisor.

Explanations:

The 10 questions in the questionnaire reflect some of the facts about taking Online courses:

1. Online students sometimes can end up neglecting courses because of personal or professional circumstances unless they have compelling reasons for taking the course.
2. Some students prefer the independence of an online course; others find it uncomfortable.
3. Online courses give students greater freedom of scheduling, but they can require more self-discipline than on-campus classes.
4. Some people learn best by physically interacting with other students and instructors, but online courses employ e-mail and online conferences for interaction.
5. Online courses require you to work from written direction without face-to-face instructions.
6. Online courses require a working computer and a reliable internet connection.
7. Online courses require at least as much time as on-campus courses.
8. Online courses frequently use technology for teaching and communications.
9. On-screen materials are the primary source of directions and information in online courses.
10. Some online courses require some travel to complete proctored exams.

Adapted from a questionnaire developed by Bob Loser, Jean Trabandit, Barbara Hathway and Teresa Donnell of Northern Virginia Community College's Extended Learning Institute.