ARE YOU SUITED FOR DISTANCE LEARNING?
TAKE THE QUIZ
1. My need to take this course is:
high – I need it immediately for a degree, job, or other important reason
moderate – I could take it on campus later or substitute another course
low – it is a personal interest that could be postponed
2. Having face-to-face interaction is:
not particularly important to me
somewhat important to me
very important to me
3. I would classify myself as someone who:
often gets things done ahead of time
needs reminding to get things done on time
puts things off until the last minute
4. Classroom discussion is:
rarely helpful to me
sometimes helpful to me
almost always helpful to me
5. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer:
figuring out the instructions myself
trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed
having the instructions explained to me
6. I need faculty to constantly remind me of due dates and assignments:
rarely
sometimes
often
7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on an online course is:
more than for a campus course
the same as for a class on campus
less than for a class on campus
8. When I am asked to use email, computers, or other new technologies presented to me:
I look forward to learning new skills
I feel apprehensive, but try anyway
I put it off or try to avoid it
9. As a reader, I would classify myself as:
good – I usually understand the text without help.
average – I sometimes need help to understand the text.
below average – I often need help to understand the text.
10. If I have to go to campus to take exams or complete work:
I have difficulty getting to campus, even in the evenings and on weekends.
I may miss some lab assignments or exam deadlines if campus labs are not open evenings and weekends.
I can go to campus anytime.
0
Is it for me?
• 20 points or higher – an online course is a real possibility for you.
• Between 11 and 20 points – an online course may work for you, but you may need to make a few adjustments in your schedule and study habits to succeed.
• Less than 10 points – an online course may not currently be the best alternative for you; talk to your counselor.
No matter what you scored, remember that online learning is not easy and requires good writing skills. Your professor will demand the same quality of work as they would receive from you in a face-to-face classroom. A similar number of hours will need to be committed throughout the course of a semester for an online course as to a face-to-face course. Remember that your course may include deadlines and instructions on assignments, so you will need to be organized and motivated. Online learning is convenient – you do not have to commute to campus, and you can attend class at your convenience – either early in the morning, late at night, or anytime in-between. Just remember, no matter when you decide to study, each course will bring you one step closer to reaching your goal of earning your degree. Pursuing this educational goal is a journey so take the time to enjoy each step on this path.
