Are NIACC Online Classes For Me?

This is a quick questionnaire to help you decide if online courses may provide an alternative to on-campus courses for you. While this can help you evaluate your your learning needs and chances for success, it does not guarantee your success or failure in an online course. Read each question and carefully consider the possible responses. Which answer is you? Click the "What's my score" button when you are finished.

First Name: Last Name:

Select one answer for each question and score as indicated at the end of this form.

1.	My need to take this course now is:
	a. High - I need it immediately for degree, job, or other important reason
	b. Moderate - I could take it on campus later or substitute another course
	c. Low - It's a personal interest that could be postponed
.
2.	Feeling that I am part of a class is:
	a. Not particularly necessary for me
	b. Somewhat important to me
	c. Very important to me
.
3.	I would characterize myself as someone who:
	a. Often gets things done ahead of time
	b. Needs reminding to get things done on time
	c. Puts things off until the last minute
.
4.	Classroom discussion is:
	a. Is not necessary for me to understand what I have read
	b. Sometimes helpful to me
	c. Almost always helpful to me
.
5.	When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer:
	a. Figuring out the instructions myself
	b. Trying to follow the instructions on my own, then asking for help if I need it
	c. Having the instructions explained to me
.
6.	I need instructor comments on my assignments:
	a. Within a few days, so I can review what I did
	b. Within a few hours, or I forget what I did
	c. Right away, or I get frustrated
.
7.	Considering my job and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on an online class is:
	a. More than enough for a campus class or a Distance Learning class
	b. The same as for a class on campus
	c. Less than for a class on campus
.
8.	When I am asked to use computers, VCRs, voice mail, or other technologies that are new to me:
	a. I look forward to learning new skills
	b. I feel apprehensive, but try anyway
	c. I put it off or try to avoid it
.
9.	As a reader, I would classify myself as:
	a. Good - I usually understand the text and other written materials without help
	b. Average - I sometimes need help to understand the text or other written materials
	c. Needing help to understand the text or other written materials
.
10.	As a writer I would classify myself as:
	a. A strong writer - I am comfortable with writing and have strong organizational, grammar, punctuation and spelling skills
	b. An average writer - I am moderately comfortable with writing and occasionally need help with organization, grammar, punctuation and spelling
	c. Needing help with my writing, especially with organization, grammar, punctuation, and spelling

11.	I have dropped a college class after the term has started:
	a. Never
	b. Once
	c. More than once

	Distance Learning Facts
.
1.	Distance Learning students sometimes can end up neglecting their course work because of personal or professional circumstances, unless they have compelling reasons for taking the course.
2.	Some students prefer the independence of Distance Learning; others find it uncomfortable.
3.	Distance Learning gives students greater freedom of scheduling, but it can require more self-discipline than on-campus classes.
4.	Some people learn best by interacting with other students and instructors, but Distance Learning may not provide much opportunity for this interaction.
5.	Distance Learning requires you to work from written directions without face-to-face instructions.
6.	It may take as long as two or three days to get comments back by e-mail from your instructor (such as over a weekend or holiday).
7.	Distance Learning requires at least as much time as on-campus courses and in many instances up to three times as much.
8.	Distance Learning uses computers and other technology for teaching and communication.
9.	Printed and/or online materials are the primary source of directions and information in Distance Learning.
10.	Distance Learning classes often require written assignments and projects.
11.	Students who have dropped a college class often don't have the self-discipline or motivation to work independently and complete an online course.

Based on IS ELI FOR ME? by Bob Loser, Joan Trabandit, Barbara Hatheway, and Teresa Donell,
©1989, 1998, Extended Learning Institute, Northern Virginia Community College. Adapted for this use with permission.