Academic Computing & Distance Learning

Is an Online Class right for you?

If you are wondering whether or not to take an online course, why not take a moment or two to complete the following survey? It will help you decide whether this is the right educational format for you.

At the end of this survey, click the Score button to calculate your total and see if you are a good candidate for online courses.


1) I would rate my computer skills as:

a) High - I am comfortable with electronic mail, web browsing, and word-processing
b) Moderate - I can get by if there is not too much typing or special software
c) Low - I am either a novice computer user or I really don't like using a computer

2) Considering my academic, work, and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to devote to my online class is:

a) 9 - 12 hours per week
b) 4 - 8 hours per week
c) 0 - 3 hours per week

3) As a reader, I would classify myself as:

a) Good - I usually understand text without help
b) Average - I sometimes need help to understand the text
c) Slower than average - It takes me much longer to read than my peers

4) When I am asked to use computers, CD-Roms, VCRs, voice mail or other technologies new to me:

a) I look forward to learning new skills
b) I feel a little nervous but try anyway
c) I feel quite anxious and try to avoid doing it

5) When I receive feedback from an instructor, I prefer:

a) Written comments so that I can pursue and figure out how to apply them to my work
b) Written comments with some oral explanation to clarify points I might not understand
c) I need to talk to the instructor to really understand what I need to do.

6) When an instructor hands out an assignment, I prefer:

a) Figuring out the instructions myself
b) Trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help when I need it
c) Having the instructions explained to me

7) Classroom discussion is

a) Important to my learning
b) Sometimes helpful to me
c) Rarely helpful to me

8) I need faculty comments on my work

a) Within a week so that I can review what I did
b) Within a day or two or I forget what I did
c) Right away or I get very frustrated

9) Who is most responsible for what and how much you learn?

a) I am ultimately responsible for my own learning
b) The instructor and I share equal responsibility for what and how much I learn
c) The instructor is most responsible for what and how much I learn

10) I would classify myself as someone who:

a) Often gets things done ahead of time
b) Needs reminding to get things done on time
c) Puts off things until the last moment