Before you make a decision to enroll in a distance learning class, take the following simple quizzes to help you make an informed decision. There are two parts, one dealing with general readiness and one dealing with technical readiness. You should complete both, especially if you intend to take an online course. Thanks to Wenatchee Valley College for the use of this assessment tool.
Before you begin, here are some definitions:
To take the survey, first get a pencil and paper. Write the letter of the answer you choose for each question below, score the results and read the explanations relating to specific questions. To get the best results, answer the questions with complete candor.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. My need to take a distance learning course is:
a- high - I need it for graduation, my major or my job.2. Feeling that I am part of a conventional class is
b- medium - I could take it later, on campus, or substitute another course.
c- low - it's for personal interest; I can take it anytime.
a- not especially important to me.3. When I have an important assignment to do, I usually
b- somewhat important to me.
c- very important to me.
a- get it done ahead of time.4. Classroom discussion is
b- need reminding to get it done on time.
c- put it off until the last minute.
a- not usually helpful to me.5. When an instructor hands out instructions for an assignment, I usually prefer to
b- sometimes helpful.
c- often very helpful to me.
a- figure out the instructions for myself.6. I like to get an instructor's comments on my exams and assignments
b- try to follow the instructions on my own, and ask for help when I need it.
c- have the instructions explained to me.
a- within a couple of weeks, so I can review what I did.7. Considering my schedule, the amount of time I expect to devote to a distance learning course is
b- within a few days, or I forget what I did.
c- right away, or I get frustrated.
a- more than enough time for a conventional class.8. When asked to use computers, e-mail, voice mail, program my VCR or try other technologies new to me
b- about the same time as for a conventional class.
c- less time that I would devote to a conventional class.
a- I look forward to learning new skills, and usually master them quickly.9. As a reader, I am
b- I'm a little nervous, but try them anyway.
c- I put them off or avoid them.
a- very confident; I understand textbooks easily, with little or no help.10. I can easily and conveniently get to the OC campuses or centers
b- average; sometimes I need help, or a tutor.
c- I have trouble understanding textbooks; I depend on lectures, discussions and tutoring.
a- most anytime.11. I have completed
b- evenings or Saturdays, if I schedule it carefully.
c- almost never; I would have great difficulty getting to campus at anytime.
a- more than 50 college credits.12. My grade point average (GPA) is
b- 25 to 49 college credits.
c- fewer than 24 college credits.
a- 3.2 or above
b- 2.4 to 3.2
c- Below 2.4
3 points for every "a"; 2 points for every "b"; 1 point for every "c"
If you scored
- 25 points or more, a distance learning course is probably a good choice for you.
- 16 to 24 points, a distance learning course may work for you, but with some adjustments in your schedule or study habits.
- 15 points or below, distance learning may not be a good choice right now. Check with your adviser about other course options.
Explanation of questions
1: Because of flexibility and freedom from some "time and place" requirements, motivation and self-discipline are very important for distance learning students. Usually when the need for the course is high, so is the motivation.
2, 4: Interaction between you and the instructor (and among other students) can be an important part of ANY course. In a distance learning course, interaction is seldom face-to-face, so opportunities for feeling "part of the group" are fewer.
3, 5: Distance learning requires self-discipline and working independently. Some people are comfortable with this, others are not.
6: Because of mail service, it can take time to get assignments to (and back from) your instructor. The use of e-mail can help speed this up.
7: Distance learning courses are as difficult and time-consuming as conventional courses or more so.
8: Distance learning courses use sophisticated communication technology. It helps if you're comfortable learning it.
9: Print materials (text, study guide, etc.) are primary means of information and direction in a distance learning course.
10: All telecourses require some travel to the Olympic College campus. Interactive video courses are campus-based. (Online courses do not require travel to the Olympic College campus.)
11, 12: Students who have succeeded in a conventional course also tend to succeed in a distance learning course.
a- for over a year.2. I have had an Internet service provider
b- for between a month and one year.
c- for a month or less.
a- for over a year.3. I would describe my e-mail skills as
b- for between a month and one year.
c- for a month or less.
a- advanced--I use e-mail daily in both conversational and more formal messaging.4. I would describe my word-processing software skills as
b- intermediate--I use e-mail regularly in conversational messaging.
c- minimal--I am just learning to use my e-mail account.
a- advanced--I use a word processor daily to create advanced documents.
b- intermediate--I use a word processor regularly to write simple documents.
c- minimal--I am just learning to use my word processor.
3 points for every "a"; 2 points for every "b"; 1 point for every "c"
If you scored
- 9 or more points, you should experience no foreseeable trouble with the technological aspects of the class. Although you may need to learn some of the specific operations we will use for certain assignments, your advance experience should keep these from slowing you down.
- 5 to 8 points, although you may not be completely comfortable with your computer and software, you have the skills you will need to begin the class. You will improve those skills during the quarter, but it will take a little more time for you to complete assignments.
- 4 points or below, your skill and comfort level with the technology will likely make the class extremely difficult and time-consuming. Aside from learning the subject matter of the course, you will be trying to learn almost all the technical aspects as well. We strongly advise against an online class at this time.
Thanks for taking the time to review your readiness. Always feel free to call or meet with your advisor, the Assessment and Advising office (360-475-7230), the Counseling Center faculty (360-475-7530) or Media Services and Distance Learning (choose channel 1) if you have any questions.
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Distance Learning @ OC