Is online learning right for you?

1. I want to register for a distance learning class...

1. Now because I need it immediately for a degree, job or other important reason.
2. Although I could take it on campus later or substitute for another on-campus course.
3. Because I thought this might be an easy way to take the course but it could be postponed.

2. To me, having the instructor in the classroom while learning the subject is...

1. Not particularly necessary.
2. Somewhat important.
3. Very important to understand the material.

3. To me, being with other students who are taking the class is...

1. Not particularly necessary.
2. Somewhat important.
3. Very important to understand the material.

4. When I am assigned tasks, I...

1. Often get things done on time or early.
2. Need continual prompting to get things done on time.
3. I frequently postpone work until the last minute or turn it in late.

5. Classroom discussions are...

1. Rarely helpful to me and most of the time I understand the material independently.
2. Sometimes helpful to me although I can learn some on my own.
3. Almost always helpful to me because frequently I do not understand until I hear someone discuss the material.

6. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment...

1. I can figure out the instructions on my own.
2. I can usually follow directions on my own, but I like to be able to ask for help if needed.
3. I have difficulty figuring out instructions on my own and I like them explained orally first.

7. When I turn in an assignment, I expect the teacher to grade and comment on my assignments...

1. Within a reasonable amount of time, I can review what I did. However, I do not get frustrated if it takes longer.
2. Within a day or two, I will forget what I did.
3. And return them immediately or I get very frustrated and confused.

8. When I turn in an assignment, I...

1. Am usually able to determine how well I have done.
2. Am not always sure of how well I have done.
3. Usually have no idea how well I have done.

9. When adding up the time I need for my job, my family and other personal obligations, the amount of time I have left to work on a distance learning course is...

1. More than enough for a campus class or a distance learning class.
2. The same amount of time as for taking a class on campus.
3. Less than for taking a class on campus and that is why I want to take it off campus.

10. When I am asked to use technologies that may be new to me...

1. I have little or no difficulty learning these new skills.
2. I sometimes feel apprehensive, but try them anyway if I know that I can call for help when necessary.
3. I frequently get very frustrated and I may put off the work or even try to avoid it.

11. As a reader, I would classify myself as

1. A good reader and one who can understand most texts without help.
2. An average reader but one who needs some help to understand the text.
3. An average to poor reader and one who needs more help than others to understand the text or other reading material.

12. If I have to go to campus or other testing/learning sites to take exams or complete lab work...

1. I have time to go to the site when required.
2. Sometimes I will miss some labs or test dates, especially if they are not open when I am available.
3. I would have a great deal of difficulty getting to campus or other testing/learning sites to take tests, classes or labs.

13. The computer and internet connection that is required for the class...

1. Are at home, at work or somewhere else which is readily available to me.
2. Maybe difficult at times to locate.
3. Are not readily available to me.

14. When it comes to the organization of the class material...

1. I can learn even if the class is not highly structured.
2. I like some structure in the course.
3. I feel very uncomfortable and have difficulty learning when a class is not highly structured.

Results Key

Total your A, B and C responses.

• If you recorded 9 or more "A" and 0 "C" responses, distance education courses would be a great option for you now.
• If you recorded 9 or more "A" responses and 1 or more "C" responses, distance education courses might be a good option for you, but you should talk to your advisor about making a few adjustments to your schedule and study habits to succeed.
• If you recorded 4 or more "A" responses and 6 or more "B" responses, distance education courses might be a good option for you, but you should talk to your advisor about making a few adjustments to your schedule and study habits to succeed.
• If you recorded 9 or more "C" responses, distance education courses might not currently be your best option. Regardless, if you still want to take advantage of distance education courses, you should discuss this option with your academic advisor.