Are online courses for me? Take this quick questionnaire
to find out.
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| 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. |
Feeling that I am part of a class is:
a. Not particularly necessary for me
b. Somewhat important to me
c. Very important to me |
| 3. |
I would characterize myself as someone who:
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. Is not necessary for me to understand what I have
read
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 instructions on my own, then
asking for help if I need it
c. Having the instructions explained to me |
| 6. |
I need instructor comments on my assignments:
a. Within a few days, so I can review what I did
b. Within a few hours, or I forget what I did
c. Right away, or I get frustrated |
| 7. |
Considering my job and personal schedule, the amount of
time I have to work on an online class is:
a. More than enough for a campus class or a Distance
Learning 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 computers, VCRs, voice mail, or other
technologies that are 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 and other written
materials without help
b. Average - I sometimes need help to understand the
text or other written materials
c. Needing help to understand the text or other written materials |
| 10. |
As a writer I would classify myself as:
a. A strong writer - I am comfortable with writing
and have strong organizational, grammar,
punctuation
and spelling
skills
b. An average writer - I am moderately comfortable
with writing and occasionally need help
with
organization, grammar,
punctuation and spelling
c. Needing help with my writing, especially with
organization, grammar, punctuation, and spelling |
| 11. |
I have dropped a college class after the term has started:
a. Never
b. Once
c. More than once |
 
Distance Learning Facts
- Distance Learning students sometimes can end up neglecting their
course work because of personal or professional circumstances,
unless they have compelling
reasons for taking the course.
- Some students prefer the independence of Distance Learning;
others find it uncomfortable.
- Distance Learning gives students greater freedom of scheduling,
but it can require more self-discipline than on-campus classes.
- Some people learn best by interacting with other students and
instructors, but Distance Learning may not provide much opportunity
for this interaction.
- Distance Learning requires you to work from written directions
without face-to-face instructions.
- It may take as long as two or three days to get comments back
by e-mail from your instructor (such as over a weekend or holiday).
- Distance Learning requires at least as much time as on-campus
courses and in many instances up to three times as much.
- Distance Learning uses computers and other technology for
teaching and communication.
- Printed and/or online materials are the primary source
of directions and information in Distance Learning.
- Distance Learning classes often require written assignments
and projects.
- Students who have dropped a college class often don't
have the self-discipline or motivation to work independently
and
complete an online course.
Scoring
Add 3 points for each "a" that
you selected, 2 for each "b", and 1 for each "c".
If you scored:
- 28 and over: You may be a self-motivated independent
learner and online courses are a real possibility for you.
- 15 - 27: Online courses may work for you, but you may need
to make a few adjustments in your schedule and study habits
in order
to
succeed. Online courses take at least as much time and
effort and in some cases more than traditional face-to-face
classes.
- 14 or less: Online courses may not be currently
the best alternative for you. Online courses take at least as
much time and effort
and in some cases more than traditional face-to-face
classes.
Based on IS ELI FOR ME?
© 1989 – 2003, Extended Learning Institute, Northern
Virginia Community College. Adapted for this use with permission.
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