Click on the letter that best describes your response.


  1. My technology access is best described as:

    I have a computer at home with Internet access and I have my own e-mail account.

    I have regular access to a computer with Internet access, have my own e-mail account and have permission to download files.

    I don't have a computer or an e-mail address.


  2. My technology skills are:

    Very good. I can use e-mail, Web browsers, word-processing software, and can download files and create attachments. I like trying to solve technology problems on my own and don't get frustrated easily.

    Average. I can use e-mail, Web browsers and word-processing software. I don't feel comfortable solving technology problems on my own.

    Very basic. I have used e-mail, Web browsers and word-processing software, but I get frustrated when things don't work the way they should.


    3. Ask yourself: Are you comfortable using computers?

    The personal computer is the primary learning and communication tool in most online courses. You don't need to be a computer guru or a geek to succeed, but you do need to have some basic technology skills, such as word processing and using a Web browser. Needless to say, you will also need regular access to a computer with an Internet connection. If you find computers scary or intimidating, you may want to complete a computer training class at NIC before taking an online course.


  3. When it comes to analyzing class materials and expressing my own opinions about them, I feel. . .

    confident; I can analyze class materials and formulate opinions on what I've learned.

    a bit nervous; I can sometimes analyze class materials and form opinions, but it is a struggle for me.

    like I would rather do this with a group guiding me; analyzing material is not something I do well.


  4. Face-to-face communication is:

    Rarely helpful or not essential to me. I am comfortable learning without face-to-face interaction.

    Sometimes helpful to me, so I am concerned about my ability to learn without being able to see the instructor or other students.

    Almost always helpful to me. I learn only if I can interact in person with the instructor and other students.


    5. Ask yourself: Will you miss the experience of sitting in a classroom?

    While the level of interaction can be very high in online courses, it is not the same face-to-face interaction. Some online students miss having the opportunity to see and listen to their instructor and classmates. If you feel that a traditional classroom is essential for learning or you want to experience campus and dorm life, online classes may not be right for you.


  5. When it comes to learning:

    I welcome opportunities to learn new things and need faculty comments within a few weeks so I can review what I submitted.

    I get nervous around new technologies, and need faculty comments within a few days or I forget what I did, but I like to learn.

    I need faculty comments on my assignments right away or I get frustrated and nervous around technology and would rather not try it.


  6. When I need help in class:

    I feel comfortable approaching an instructor to ask for clarification and help

    I am uncomfortable approaching an instructor, but I will ask for help if I need it.

    I never approach an instructor to admit I do not understand something.


    7. Ask yourself: Do you feel comfortable discussing problems with your instructors?

    If you are having problems with the technology or the course content, you need to let your instructor know as soon as possible. Without this feedback, your instructor will never know what is wrong. Remember that many of the nonverbal cues that you use in the classroom to show frustration, boredom, or confusion (such as a yawn or a look of bewilderment) are not possible in an online class.


  7. I am considering taking an online course because:

    I need it immediately for a specific goal and have taken an online class before and enjoyed the experience.

    I could take it on campus later or substitute another course and I am curious about online classes and have room in my schedule.

    I do not need to take an online course immediately and it could be postponed - I need the class for a graduation requirement or job situation and I can't fit it in to my campus schedule.


  8. The amount of time I have to devote to an online class is:

    More than enough for an online class (15 hours or more per week, anytime during the day or night).

    The same as for a class held on campus (10-15 hours per week, mainly at night).

    Less than for a class held on campus (less than 10 hours per week).


    9. Ask yourself: Are you able to commit time each day or week to your online course(s)?

    Online courses often require at least as much, if not more time and commitment than traditional courses. Completing course assignments and other learning activities can take from five to fifteen hours or more per week. And you may find that you need to be online almost every day. So before enrolling, be sure you can set aside enough time to keep up with your daily or weekly assignments.


  9. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer:

    Figuring out the instructions myself.

    Trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed.

    Having the instructions explained to me.


  10. I would describe my personal style as:

    Self-motivated, self-disciplined, and organized; I often get things done ahead of time.

    Motivated, but I need reminding when assignments and due dates.

    Spontaneous and not too disciplined - I wait until the last minute to complete assignments or do not complete them


    11. Ask yourself: Do you have self-discipline and motivation?

    Unlike traditional courses in which the students and instructor meet face-to-face once or several times a week, most of the learning activities and communication in an online course are asynchronous, meaning that class members participate and complete their assignments at different times throughout the day and week. This arrangement can make it possible for you to do your class work when it's most convenient for you. However, with this increased freedom and flexibility comes responsibility. Without the structure of regular class meetings, it will be up to you to pace yourself and keep up with assignments.


  11. Class discussions are:

    Important to me and useful in helping me learn the information presented in class. I almost always participate in class discussions.

    Somewhat important to my learning. I sometimes participate in class discussions.

    Not very useful to me. I don't usually participate in class discussions.


  12. My reading and writing abilities are:

    Above average. I enjoy reading and writing, and I usually understand the text without help and have confidence in my abilities.

    Average. I sometimes need help to understand the text and I'm not comfortable expressing myself in writing.

    Below average. I don't like reading and look for classes without a lot of writing assignments.


    13. Ask yourself: Do you have good communication skills and enjoy expressing your ideas in writing?

    In online courses, nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that you feel comfortable expressing yourself in writing. If you feel that you are weak in this area, try to brush up on your writing skills and find out how much writing is required for the course before enrolling.