Online learning isn't for everyone...

It's true, with online learning you have additional flexibility you don't get from a traditional face-to-face course. It is this aspect of online learning that appeals to most people initially. However, this educational medium is not well suited for all learners. If you plan to enroll in online classes, or are just interested in them, Distance Learning invites you to take the following evaluation. You will be asked a series of questions from the following topics:

This evaluation was modeled after the Student Online Readiness Tool from Advanced Learning Technologies, Board of Reagents, University System of Georgia.

Technology

Since you will be accessing, communicating and learning over the Internet, having a basic understanding and familiarity with technology is a must.

Below you will see a series of statements regarding technology. Click on the links below and answer each question. Don't worry about answering "correctly" just answer however best applies to you.

1. Keyboard and Mouse
2. Creating, Saving and Retrieving documents
3. Accessing the Internet
4. Using a Search Engine
5. Email
6. Basic Computer Maintenance

Computer Hardware and Software

Having access to a computer and the Internet is an important and necessary aspect to learning online. Having access to a properly configured computer will aid in your success.

Below you will see a series of statements regarding computer hardware and software. Click on the links below and answer each question. Don't worry about answering "correctly" just answer however best applies to you.

1. Computer Access and Operating System
2. Word Processing
3. Internet Access
4. Internet Browser
5. Computer System Security

Study Habits

Forming good study habits will play a critical role in your success. You will need to be able to turn off the television, ignore distractions, and concentrate on your work. You will be required to read and write more than in a traditional classroom setting.

You will discover writing demands greater reflection than speaking, and reading a textbook is quite different from reading a newspaper. Since body language isn't present, practicing good "Netiquette", or Internet etiquette, is essential to developing a welcoming learning community with your fellow classmates and instructor.

Below you will see a series of statements regarding study habits. Click on the links below and answer each question. Don't worry about answering "correctly" just answer however best applies to you.

1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Schedules
4. Asking Questions
5. Task Completion

Goals and Motivation

We choose to pursue knowledge for a variety of reasons. These include enhancing our educational experience, upgrading our skills, and getting a better job and it is these reasons, along with other external factors, that help keep us motivated to learn.

Below you will see a series of statements regarding goals and motivation. Click on the links below and answer each question. Don't worry about answering "correctly" just answer however best applies to you.

1. Goals
2. Objectives
3. Reasons
4. Motivation
5. Determination

Lifestyle

Today we all live extremely busy lives and have a variety of obligations. When competing demands place stress on learners, study time can be placed "on the back burner." However, this can lead to a snowball effect and cause you to fall behind.

Below you will see a series of statements regarding lifestyle. Click on the links below and answer each question. Don't worry about answering "correctly" just answer however best applies to you.

1. How much time do you have each week?
2. Schedule Flexibility
3. Study Space
4. Inconvenience
5. Support

Learning Style Preferences

The way each person learns is unique. Whether you learn best seeing, hearing or doing; knowing and understanding your learning preferences will help identify ways to study and review material so you get the most out of each classroom experience.

The learning style quiz located at the Edutopia website will give you a good idea what your predominate learning style is. You will be asked questions about how you spend your time, activities you would like to do, your behavior in groups, and how you would describe yourself. Once you know your learning style preferences, you will be better able to identify ways to learn and study.