Is Online Education for You?

(c) Lynne Schrum, Dept. of Instructional Technology, University of Georgia 
(adapted with permission)

How well will on-line courses fit your circumstances and your lifestyle?  Select one answer for each question, score the evaluation as directed, and assess how well this type of course would fit your needs.

My need to take this course now is..

1. high - I need it immediately for degree, job, or other important reason
2. moderate - I could take it on campus later, or at some other place/time
3. low - its a personal interest that could be postponed

Feeling that I am a part of a class is...

1. not particularly necessary to me
2. somewhat important to me
3. very important to me

I would classify myself as someone who...

1. often gets things done ahead of time
2. needs reminding to get things done on time
3. puts things off until the last minute

Face-to-face classroom discussions are...

1. not essential to me
2. somewhat essential to me
3. essential to me

When an instructor hands out written instructions for an assignment, I prefer...

1. figuring out the instructions on my own
2. trying to follow the instructions on my own, then asking for help as needed
3. having the instructions explained orally first

I need faculty comments on my assignments...

1. right away, so I can get help as I revise my writing
2. within a few days, before I forget what my questions are.
3. within a few weeks, but only to explain my grade, not to help me revise my writing

Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on an advanced course is

1. more than enough for a campus class
2. the same as taking a class on campus
3. less than for taking a class on campus 

When I am asked to use VCRs, computers, voice mail or other technologies that may be new to me...

1. I look forward to learning new skills
2. I feel apprehensive, but try anyway
3. I put it off or try to avoid it

In rating my skills, sending e-mail, and finding electronic resources, I would say that ....

1. I am comfortable and competent
2. I am able to complete the tasks, but am not accomplished at them
3. I am not sure what this question means

As a reader, I would classify myself as...

1. good - I usually understand the text without help
2. average - I sometimes need help to understand the test
3. slower than average

SCORING:  Add the selected numbers for each question.  If you scored 10, online courses may be a real possibility for you.  If you scored between 11 and 20, online courses may work for you, but you need to make a few adjustments in your attitudes and planning to succeed.  If you scored 21 or more, on-line courses may not currently be suitable option for you - talk to your instructor before you enroll.

Some points for you to consider:

1. It is easy to neglect online learning coursework because of personal or family circumstances, unless there are compelling reasons for completing the course.
2. Some students prefer the independence of online learning; others find it uncomfortable.
3. Online learning courses give you greater freedom to schedule your work, but they also require more self-discipline.
4. Some people learn best by interacting fact-to-face with other students, but online courses do not afford opportunity for this type of interaction.
5. Online learning courses require you to work primarily from written instructions, with oral explanation by the instructor only as a backup.
6. Online courses require at least as much time as attending classes and completing assignments for campus courses.
7. Online courses use technology for teaching and communication.  You will need to be comfortable with such computer techniques as uploading and downloading your assignments.
8. Text based materials are the primary source of directions and information in many online learning courses.  Some online courses require occasional trips to campus for orientation and exams.

This version has evolved from one by Brian McKinney, Diablo Valley College