Online Readiness Self-Assesment
Is Taking and Online Class a Good Fit For You?
Learning through an online class requires different skills than learning in a face-to-face class. It's important to know what you're getting into and to understand the kind of commitment that's necessary for success in online learning. You can get a good idea of your readiness by taking the following survey.
The Readiness Survey
Before enrolling in an online course, you should first assess readiness for online learning. Your answers to the following questions will help determine what you need to do to succeed in the online learning enviorment. Post-survey feedback will also provide you with information on what you can expect from an online course.
Instructions: You will need approximately 10 minutes to complete this survey. Choose the most accurate response to each statement. When you have completed the survey, click the "Am I Ready?" button at the bottom to receive your personalized feedback. It's most beneficial to you if you are honest in your self appraisal. If in doubt about your skills, knowledge, ability, preferences, please select "Somewhat Agree" option.
| Question | Agree | Somewhat Agree | Disagree |
|---|---|---|---|
| I enjoy taking responsibility for my own learning. | |||
| I understand that an online class is not easier than a traditional class. (many find it more difficult) | |||
| I understand that I cannot complete an online course with a smartphone. |
| Question | Agree | Somewhat Agree | Disagree |
|---|---|---|---|
| I am good at setting goals and meeting deadlines for myself. | |||
| I finish the projects I start. | |||
| I persist even when there are technical glitches | |||
| I am good at keeping myself on track and on time. |
| Question | Agree | Somewhat Agree | Disagree |
|---|---|---|---|
| I can learn from things I hear, like lectures, audio recordings or podcasts. | |||
| I prefer to read something to learn it. | |||
| I learn best by figuring things out for myself. | |||
| I like to learn in a group, but I can learn on my own, too. | |||
| I am willing to e-mail or have discussions with people I might never see. |
| Question | Agree | Somewhat Agree | Disagree |
|---|---|---|---|
| I have developed a good way to solve problems I run into. | |||
| I have a place where I can read and work on assignments without distractions. | |||
| I can ignore distractions around me when I study. | |||
| I am willing and able to spend 10-20 hours each week on this online course. | |||
| I keep a record of what my assignments are and when they are due. | |||
| I plan my work in advance so that I can turn in my assignments on time. | |||
| I am willing to use e-mail and other online tools to ask my classmates and instructors questions |
| Question | Agree | Somewhat Agree | Disagree |
|---|---|---|---|
| I am good at using the computer. | |||
| I am comfortable with things like doing searches, setting bookmarks, and downloading files. | |||
| I am comfortable with things like installing software and changing configuration settings on my computer. | |||
| I know how to get help if I have computer problems. |
| Question | Agree | Somewhat Agree | Disagree |
|---|---|---|---|
| I am connected to the Internet with a fairly fast, reliable connection such as DSL or cable modem. | |||
| I have reliable access to a computer. | |||
| I have headphones or speakers and a microphone to use if a class has a videoconference. | |||
| My computer has virus protection. | |||
| My browser will play several common multimedia (video and audio) formats. | |||
| I have access to a functioning printer. |
Your Online Readiness Results
Expectations
It appears that you have realistic expectations of what taking an online course requiers and your outlook should help you be sucessfully complete your class.
I'm afraid that you might not have a correct assesment of what an online course requires and it's possible that you become fustrated with the online experience and possibly drop out. You might want to consider other opions.
Self Directed
You seem to be very good at staying focused and you will need to bring all those habits with you to your online class.
Being self directed is very important in online learning. You need to take responsiblity for keeping your self on track. You may want to reconsider these habits before taking and online class.
Learning Preferences
Your responses indicate that you can use different types of media in online courses, solve minor problems, and work in online groups.
You may need to stretch yourself to use different types of media, such as audio, to learn in an online course. Self-reliance to solve minor problems or make decisions about your learning is also vital. Because you may work in an online group, you will need sharp communication skills.
Study Habits
Your strong study habits should server you well on taking an online course.
To succeed in an online course, you must carefully choose a place to study compatible with your work habits, and plan on spending 10-20 hours each week there. An online course requires at least 10 hours a week of work. Devise a way to keep track of your assignments and due dates so you can plan your work. You will also need to be willing to reach out to your instructor and fellow classmates when you have questions.
Technical Skills
You indicate that you have strong technical skills. You should still be cautious while navigation the system and completing assignments.
Consider identifying someone to serve your technological support person before taking an online course. Ideally, you should work to acquire the following skills: use the Internet and a Web browser to perform searches, install software on your computer, and perform simple troubleshooting activities.
Technical Requirements
It seems you have adequate capabilities. The complete list of hardware and software required for online learning may vary slightly by course. Review specific course requirements before starting any online course.
Your computer may need some upgrades or additional software installed to ensure the best possible online learning experience. You should have a modern, up-to-date operating system, up-to-date browser, fairly fast connection to the Internet, virus protection, and possibly headphones with a microphone. The complete list of hardware and software required for online learning may vary slightly by course. Review specific course requirements before starting any online course