Are Online Courses For Me?


   This is a quick questionnaire to help you decide if online courses may provide an alternative to on-campus courses for you.
   While this can help you evaluate your learning needs and chances for success,
   it does not guarantee your success or failure in an online course.

   Read each question and carefully consider the possible responses.   Which answer is you? 
   Click the "What's my score" button when you are finished.

  Select one answer for each question and score as indicated at the end of this form.  

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
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2.

I like to do class-work on my own, without waiting for the class to catch-up:

 a.  Most of the time.

 b.  Sometimes

 c.  Almost never
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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
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4.

I have access to a computer that has the hardware and software needed for online classes and a current e-mail account that will be used for the duration of my online course:

 a.  Yes I have access to a computer and an e-mail account.

 b.  Yes I have access to a computer but no e-mail account.

 c.  No I don't have access to a computer and don't have an e-mail account.
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5.

I have heard of and understand the terms- Attachment, disk, CD and hard drive:

 a.  I understand all these terms

 b.  I understand some of these terms

 c.  These terms are new to me
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6.

I plan to login to my online course and dedicate at least:

 a.  3 days a week and spend 10-15 hours on my course per week

 b.  1 day a week and spend less than 10 hours per week

 c.  Less than once a week
.

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 an online class

 b.  The same as for a class on campus

 c.  Less than for a class on campus
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8.

I am comfortable using a computer, sending e-mail and using the internet:

 a.  Yes, I use these technologies regularly

 b.  I feel apprehensive, but try anyway

 c.  No, I avoid using these technologies
.

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.

I would be comfortable asking questions of my instructor using e-mail and contacting a helpline for support and asssitance:

a.   I am comfortable with writing e-mail and contacting a helpline

b.   I am moderately comfortable with writing e-mail and contacting a helpline

c.   I avoid writing e-mail and contacting a helpline/font>
.

11.

I am considering taking an online course because I think it will be easier than a class offered on campus:

a.   No, online classes take as much effort as campus classes

b.   Yes, some online classes are easier than campus classes

c.   Yes, online classes are easier than campus classes

Online Learning Facts
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  1. Self motivation is the key to being successful in the completion of an online course. Online courses are independent study and self motivation is a necessity.
  2. Online 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.
  3. Some students prefer the independence of Online Learning; others find it uncomfortable.
  4. Online Learning gives students greater freedom of scheduling, but it can require more self-discipline than on-campus classes.
  5. Some people learn best by interacting with other students and instructors, but Online Learning may not provide much opportunity for this interaction.
  6. Online Learning requires you to work from written directions without face-to-face instructions.
  7. Having a current e-mail account is necessary to communicate with your instructor.
  8. 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).
  9. Online Learning requires at least as much time as on-campus courses and in many instances up to three times as much.
  10. Online Learning uses computers and other technology for teaching and communication.
  11. Printed and/or online materials are the primary source of directions and information in Online Learning.
  12. Students who have dropped college classes often don't have the self-discipline or motivation to work independently and complete an online course.

Scoring
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Add 3 points for each "a" that you selected, 2 for each "b", and 1 for each "c."
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If you scored:

28 and over: You may be a self-motivated independent learner and Online Courses are a real possibility for you.

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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.
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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. Please talk to your advisor or call 602-286-8568 ask for Dr. Steve Clayden to get more information.
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