Self-Assessment Survey

Online learning provides a flexible and effective learning experience for many, but it is not for everyone. Possessing certain qualities and skills will increase your opportunity for online learning success.

Read each statement below and evaluate the degree to which you agree with it. Then select the statement to read more about the related impact to online learning.

1. I would classify myself as a motivated and disciplined individual with good organizational skills.

2. Given my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on a distance education course is approximately nine to 15 hours per week.

3. When I am asked to use software or technologies that I haven't used before (such as e-mail, voice mail or a new software product), I look forward to learning new skills.

4. If I had to describe my predominant learning style/preference, I would say it is visual; I learn best when I can read course materials, view graphics and access written classroom notes.

5. My reading and writing skills are strong; I understand most of what I read and can express myself clearly.

6. My personal and professional schedule makes it difficult for me to go to a campus to take classes.

7. I don't mind asking questions and sharing thoughts to address the questions of others.

1. I would classify myself as a motivated and disciplined individual with good organizational skills.

Distance learners must be motivated and disciplined to follow the weekly structure and stay current with course activities and assignments.

Our DL students may not "learn at their own pace." Each week, topics and content are presented in a variety of formats. After reviewing materials, students and the instructor interact asynchronously via the discussion forums, following weekly due dates for original responses and substantive replies to discussion questions. Students submit assignments through the course site, following the due date schedule posted by the instructor.

Our DL students have access to tools in support of time management skills: the syllabus, weekly checklists, online calendar and instructor reminder posts are available to help you organize your time. [top]

2. Given my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on a distance education course is approximately nine to 15 hours per week.

All of our courses are at the graduate level, contributing to master's degrees. Many students new to DL have the false impression that online courses are "easier" than their campus course counterparts. In actuality, the courses that we offer online are the same courses that we offer on campus; though the delivery has changed, the course quality remains high.

Students can expect to spend approximately nine to 15 hours per week on DL courses. Some of the time spent commuting and attending a weekly, three-hour, on-campus class is replaced reading and interacting online. The benefit, of course, is that this time can be spent at a time and place that is convenient for you. [top]

3. When I am asked to use software or technologies that I haven't used before (such as e-mail, voice mail or a new software product), I look forward to learning new skills.

DL students must be willing to become comfortable with the technology and understand the steps to take when further help is needed. A wealth of tutorials and technical help resources are available to our DL students, but one must be motivated to learn and apply new skills. [top]

4. If I had to describe my predominant learning style/preference, I would say it is visual; I learn best when I can read course materials, view graphics and access written classroom notes.

People learn in different ways. DL students learn visually, accessing written course materials, graphics and discussions. The majority of our course content (including lecture materials, assignments, discussions and chat sessions) is written.

We encourage you to think carefully about your learning preferences and explore our DL orientation materials further to determine if online learning is right for you.  [top]

5. My reading and writing skills are strong; I understand most of what I read and can express myself clearly.

Strong reading and writing skills are critical for the online learner.

Since all interaction is written, DL students must have strong writing abilities to convey their points in the online classroom.

Online learners read a lot. In addition to weekly text readings, course content includes weekly online "lecture notes," supplemental readings, articles, case studies, discussion posts, etc. [top]

6. My personal and professional schedule makes it difficult for me to go to a campus to take classes.

DL students enjoy the flexibility of online courses. Whether they travel frequently or live far from campus, making the commitment to a weekly on-campus course is difficult.

As long as students have access to an Internet connection, they can participate in our DL courses from any location throughout the course week.  [top]

7. I don't mind asking questions and sharing thoughts to address the questions of others.

In our DL courses, students learn collaboratively from the instructor and from one another. The most effective way to enhance learning is to ask questions to clarify understanding. By posting questions to the course discussions, students learn from one another. Students and the instructor respond to the questions posted, sharing insights and experiences.

Strong DL students are not "shy" about asking or answering questions, even challenging ones. They recognize that through the sharing of questions and responses all will explore materials in greater depth. [top]