Are online courses for me?

Our experience with Distance Education students clearly demonstrates that online courses are not for every student. The following brief quiz can help you think about the characteristics and skills you will need to be successful at online learning.

1. I have extended, convenient access to a computer and the internet.
Yes, I have a computer and high-speed internet access.
I have a computer and dial-up access (less than ideal).
No, I do not have access to a computer.

2. Learning new computer skills...
is easy for me; I enjoy the new challenges.
can be intimidating but I apply myself to accomplish it.
scares me.

3. My experience with the internet...
is extensive; I use it all the time.
is average; I feel fairly comfortable.
is limited; I rarely use it.

4. I want to take an online course because...
I’m interested in the topic and it fits in my educational goals.
I need the class and the online course allows more flexibility.
it will take less time and won’t interfere with my other responsibilities.

5. When it comes to completing coursework...
I am independent and self-motivated.
I procrastinate some but generally get things done.
I frequently need to be reminded about assignments.

6. Class discussion is…
rarely helpful to me.
sometimes helpful to me.
almost always helpful to me.

7. 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 moment.

8. As a reader, I would classify myself as...
good—I usually understand the material without help.
average—I sometimes need help to understand the material.
slower—I am slower to understand the materials than some classmates.

9. I would classify my writing ability as...
strong—I am able to write with clarity.
average—I make a good effort and generally am able to achieve clarity.
weaker—I find writing intimidating and have to work hard to achieve clarity.

10. If I had to describe the way that I prefer to learn or in which I learn best, I would say...
auditory—I learn best when I can listen to an explanation of a concept.
visual—I learn best when I can read the course materials or view graphics.
tactile—I learn best by ‘doing’ (for instance, role-playing or conducting an experiment).

11. When you encounter a problem do you...
immediately attempt to solve it on your own.
immediately ask for assistance.
keep quiet and hope a resolution presents itself.

Thank you to the University of Arkansas-Little Rock for the use of questions 6, 7, 8, and 10.