Is Distance Learning for Me? This self-assessment will help you decide whether distance learning is a viable option for you at this time. Be honest and record the number of the answer that best fits you. Do you have a computer? No, but I hope to purchase one or borrow one from a friend. Yes, but I share it with my family. Yes, I have access to a public computer on campus or in a library. Yes, the computer is in my home, and I use it whenever I want. Why do I want to take an online class? Not having a strict time to go to class seems nice, so online courses seem convenient. I want to do the classwork with a friend, because it will be easier. I cannot get to campus because of family obligations or I live too far from a college to commute. I cannot attend class on campus because of a physical handicap. Generally, are you a person who procrastinates? I am bad about waiting until the last minute. Can I come back to this question later? Most of the time I do my work on time. I answer correspondence immediately and do class assignments as soon as I can. Are you comfortable installing software onto your computer? No, I have never done this. I could probably get a friend to help. I have done it, but I am not comfortable with it. Yes, I have done so without problems. Do I have the technical requirements (including Internet access)? I have a computer, but I'm not certain about the software. I hope to get some new software this semester. I have the software required but I don't have Internet access at this time. I have checked the system requirements at this site and know I am capable of handling the needs for an online class. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your typing skills? Less than 5. About 5, because I have to hunt and peck. Greater than 5, since I'm really not bad. I type my own assignments when necessary. Almost a 10, because I prefer typing than writing. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your reading skills? I'm not sure, because I don't enjoy reading. I would rather listen to a tape or watch television. Less than 5, since I will read if I must. Greater than 5, because I read when I have time and comprehend what I read. Close to a 10, since I really enjoy reading. When you are working on a project are you usually the team leader or one of the others? I am usually a member of the group, because I don't enjoy being the leader. I don't want to be the leader of a group and have never had to assume this role. I would enjoy leading, if had more time. I like to be active in the decision-making process and active in finishing the task. How important is face-to-face interaction with others in learning? Very important for me to comprehend the information. I am not sure. Somewhat important for my learning. Not particularly important to me. How strong are your reading and writing skills (in English)? This is not a strong point, since I am trying to learn English as a second language. I must admit that basic English is quite difficult for me. I think my writing is acceptable, but I do not enjoy writing and have never done well in English classes. I feel comfortable with general correspondence and usually make at least a C on composition assignments.
This self-assessment will help you decide whether distance learning is a viable option for you at this time. Be honest and record the number of the answer that best fits you.
Do you have a computer? No, but I hope to purchase one or borrow one from a friend. Yes, but I share it with my family. Yes, I have access to a public computer on campus or in a library. Yes, the computer is in my home, and I use it whenever I want. Why do I want to take an online class? Not having a strict time to go to class seems nice, so online courses seem convenient. I want to do the classwork with a friend, because it will be easier. I cannot get to campus because of family obligations or I live too far from a college to commute. I cannot attend class on campus because of a physical handicap.
Generally, are you a person who procrastinates? I am bad about waiting until the last minute. Can I come back to this question later? Most of the time I do my work on time. I answer correspondence immediately and do class assignments as soon as I can.
Are you comfortable installing software onto your computer? No, I have never done this. I could probably get a friend to help. I have done it, but I am not comfortable with it. Yes, I have done so without problems.
Do I have the technical requirements (including Internet access)? I have a computer, but I'm not certain about the software. I hope to get some new software this semester. I have the software required but I don't have Internet access at this time. I have checked the system requirements at this site and know I am capable of handling the needs for an online class.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your typing skills? Less than 5. About 5, because I have to hunt and peck. Greater than 5, since I'm really not bad. I type my own assignments when necessary. Almost a 10, because I prefer typing than writing.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your reading skills? I'm not sure, because I don't enjoy reading. I would rather listen to a tape or watch television. Less than 5, since I will read if I must. Greater than 5, because I read when I have time and comprehend what I read. Close to a 10, since I really enjoy reading.
When you are working on a project are you usually the team leader or one of the others? I am usually a member of the group, because I don't enjoy being the leader. I don't want to be the leader of a group and have never had to assume this role. I would enjoy leading, if had more time. I like to be active in the decision-making process and active in finishing the task.
How important is face-to-face interaction with others in learning? Very important for me to comprehend the information. I am not sure. Somewhat important for my learning. Not particularly important to me.
How strong are your reading and writing skills (in English)? This is not a strong point, since I am trying to learn English as a second language. I must admit that basic English is quite difficult for me. I think my writing is acceptable, but I do not enjoy writing and have never done well in English classes. I feel comfortable with general correspondence and usually make at least a C on composition assignments.
