Is Online Learning For Me? (text version)

1. When faced with a deadline, can you meet it?

a) Yes, I generally meet my deadlines without problems.
b) No, I am a terrible procrastinator and will miss most deadlines.
c) Unsure, sometimes it depends on whether or not I like the project if I will complete it on time.

Feedback:
a) Procrastination is the number one cause of failure in Distance Learning courses. It appears that you have good time management skills. This greatly increases your chance of success in a Distance Learning course.
b) Consider this: Procrastination is the number one cause of failure in Distance Learning courses. If you do not have good time management skills or if you require frequent prodding to meet deadlines, a Distance Learning course may not be appropriate for you.
c) Consider this: Procrastination is the number one cause of failure in Distance Learning courses. If you struggle with managing your time or if you require prodding to meet deadlines, a Distance Learning course may be difficult for you.

2. Are you capable of determining main ideas and concepts when reading your college textbooks?

a) Yes, I am a good reader.
b) No, I usually don't remember what I read. I do better retaining information when I hear it.
c) Unsure, I don't know the level of my reading skills.

Feedback:
a) Being a good reader is very important in Distance Learning classes.
b) Consider this: Being a good reader is very important in Distance Learning classes. At this point, only a few classes utilize audio or video lectures. For most classes, you must be able to read and understand your textbooks and be willing to read your instructor's lectures notes on your own. If you need to hear concepts explained, you should find out if the Distance class you are considering has either or audio or video component and if not, consider taking a traditional class.
c) Consider this: Being a good reader is very important in Distance Learning classes. At this point, only a few classes utilize audio or video lectures. For most classes, you must be able to read and understand your textbooks and be willing to read your instructor's lectures notes on your own. The college has a Reading Assessment test that will help you determine your Reading Skill level.

3. Are you a self-motivated, independent learner?

a) Yes, I find studying alone a positive challenge.
b) No, I have a hard time getting motivated when working by myself.
c) Unsure, I'm somewhere in between. I don't mind working alone, but I also find group work stimulating.

Feedback:
a) Although there is a certain level of interaction in Distance Learning courses, especially online courses, most of the time you rely on yourself to get the work done. You need to be self-motivated to complete your work, whether it be logging on to your online course, reading your email, responding to discussion questions, or preparing assignments, because nobody else will do it for you. You will be successful in Distance Learning by keeping yourself motivated and focused.
b) Consider this: Although there is a certain level of interaction in Distance Learning courses, especially online courses, most of the time you rely on yourself to get the work done. You need to be self-motivated to complete your work, whether it be logging on to your online course, reading your email, responding to discussion questions, or preparing assignments, because nobody else will do it for you. To be successful in Distance Learning you will need to keep yourself motivated and focused.
c) Consider this: Although there is a certain level of interaction in Distance Learning courses, especially online courses, most of the time you rely on yourself to get the work done. You need to be self-motivated to complete your work, whether it be logging on to your online course, reading your email, responding to discussion questions, or preparing assignments, because nobody else will do it for you. To be successful in Distance Learning you will need to keep yourself motivated and focused.

4. Are you willing to dedicate the same amount of time and effort, even more if needed, to a Distance Learning course that you would to a classroom-based course?

a) Yes, I can devote an average of nine hours per week per three-credit course.
b) No, I can only put together maybe 2-4 hours per week for my coursework.
c) Unsure, some weeks I'll have more time than others.

Feedback:
a) Good. Even though Distance Learning provides you with a great deal of flexibility in when to schedule your "time to learn", you should expect to spend the same amount of time (if not more) as in a traditional course, 9 hours on average. Your time is just spent differently. Although Distance courses do not meet on a regular basis and you are saving on travel time, still there are regular assignments that must be submitted, quizzes or exams that must be taken, discussions to which you must contribute regularly, in addition to reading the textbook, watching any videos, or working with any online information. How much time you will actually spend will vary depending on the type of course you are taking, the type of learner you are, your skill level in reading, writing, studying, computers, etc.
b) Consider this: Even though Distance Learning provides you with a great deal of flexibility in when to schedule your "time to learn", expect to spend the same amount of time (if not more) as in a traditional course. Your time is just spent differently. Although Distance courses do not meet on a regular basis and you are saving on travel time, still there are regular assignments that must be submitted, quizzes or exams that must be taken, discussions to which you must contribute regularly, in addition to reading the textbook, watching any videos, or working with any online information. How much time you will actually spend will vary depending on the type of course you are taking, the type of learner you are, your skill level in reading, writing, studying, computers, etc.
c) Consider this: Even though Distance Learning provides you with a great deal of flexibility in when to schedule your "time to learn", expect to spend the same amount of time (if not more) as in a traditional course. Your time is just spent differently. Although Distance courses do not meet on a regular basis and you are saving on travel time, still there are regular assignments that must be submitted, quizzes or exams that must be taken, discussions to which you must contribute regularly, in addition to reading the textbook, watching any videos, or working with any online information. How much time you will actually spend will vary depending on the type of course you are taking, the type of learner you are, your skill level in reading, writing, studying, computers, etc. Some weeks you may spend more time, some weeks you may spend less time. Plan for your busy times, so you do not fall behind in your school work.

5. Can you comfortably follow written directions on assignments?

a) Yes, I can read and follow directions on my own.
b) No, I have difficulty understanding directions and frequently need clarification.
c) Unsure, I like it when instructors go over homework directions orally.

Feedback:
a) Having the ability to follow step-by-step written directions is a very important skill in Distance Learning courses. Your instructor will be available to you to answer and clarify any questions you may have.
b) Consider this: Having the ability to follow step-by-step written directions is a very important skill in Distance Learning courses. Your instructor will be available to you to answer and clarify any questions you may have. However, if you need someone to explain instructions on a regular basis, then you might be better suited to a traditional class.
c) Consider this: Having the ability to follow step-by-step written directions is a very important skill in Distance Learning courses. Your instructor will be available to you to answer and clarify any questions you may have. However, if you need someone to explain instructions on a regular basis, then you might be better suited to a traditional class.

6. Are you willing to express your thoughts and ideas in writing?

a) Yes, I am comfortable and can clearly articulate myself in writing.
b) No, I'm uncomfortable with my writing skills and style.
c) Unsure, sometimes I'm overly concious of the technical quality of my writing, but I'm comfortable sharing my ideas.

Feedback:
a) Technical writing skills are always important. Many Distance Learning courses are writing intensive - through email, discussions, and written assignments. A willingness to share your ideas - especially in the more "informal" areas of a course (discussion, chat, email) - can also contribute to success in a Distance Learning course.
b) Consider this: Technical writing skills are always important. Many Distance Learning courses are writing intensive - through email, discussions, and written assignments. While the college does provide Tutoring Services (available on-line and at our campuses) to assist you with the technical aspects of writing, a willingness to share your ideas - especially in the more "informal" areas of a course (discussion, chat, email) - can also contribute to success in a Distance Learning course.
c) Consider this: Technical writing skills are always important. Many Distance Learning courses are writing intensive - through email, discussions, and written assignments. While the college does provide Tutoring Services (available on-line and at our campuses) to assist you with the technical aspects of writing, a willingness to share your ideas - espcially in the more "informal" areas of a course (discussion, chat, email) - can also contribute to success in a Distance Learning course.

7. Are you comfortable using technology, such as VCR's, computers, voice mail, email, etc.?

a) Yes, even if a technology is new to me, I look forward to learning new skills.
b) No, I try to avoid using technology.
c) Unsure, I feel apprehensive, especially around computers, but will try anyway.

Feedback:
a) Distance Learning courses frequently use other technologies for teaching and communication. Since you are comfortable with learning and using technology, you should have few problems with the technologies used in Distance Learning.
b) Consider this: Distance Learning courses frequently use other technologies for teaching and communication. If you are overly apprehensive or prefer to avoid technology, then you should consider delaying taking a Distance Learning course until you are more comfortable with using technology.
c) Consider this: Distance Learning courses frequently use other technologies for teaching and communication. Depending on how apprehensive you are, you might consider delaying taking a Distance Learning course until you are more comfortable with using technology or you might want to start out with a low-tech Distance course.

8. Are you confident that you can balance your coursework with your professional and personal responsibilities?

a) Yes, I'm good at scheduling my time and tasks.
b) No, I'm not a good planner.
c) Unsure, most of the time I can juggle all my obligations, but occasionally I fall behind.

Feedback:
a) Once again, this question refers to your ability to manage your time wisely and the fact that poor time management is the number one reason for lack of success in Distance Learning courses.
b) Consider this: Once again, this question refers to your ability to manage your time wisely and the fact that poor time management is the number one reason for lack of success in Distance Learning courses. Should you need help in this area, the college provides counselors and workshops to help you develop good time management skills, just be sure to use this service early.
c) Consider this: Once again, this question refers to your ability to manage your time wisely and the fact that poor time management is the number one reason for lack of success in Distance Learning courses. Should you need help in this area, the college provides counselors and workshops to help you develop good time management skills, just be sure to use this service early.

Results
* If you answered mostly "Yes", then your response indicates you are a very good match with Distance Learning.
* If you answered mostly "No", then you should consider delaying taking a distance learning course until your situation has changed.
* If you answered mostly "Unsure", then your response indicates that you are a satisfactory match with Distance Learning. Consider starting with a single distance course until you are more comfortable with the modality and can determine how it best fits in with your lifestyle.
* If you answered with a variety of responses, consider carefully the feedback to each of your responses to help you determine just how appropriate Distance Learning might be for you.