This brief
quiz will help you to determine whether your
learning style is well-suited for the pressures
of taking an distance learning course.
Remember that distance learning courses usually
require a higher level of motivation and
self-discipline than traditional classroom
courses.
Instructions
Pick one answer for each question below.
When you have completed the quiz, scroll to the
bottom of the page to self-score your answers.
1.
My
need to take this course is:
a.
high
- I need it immediately for a 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 to me.
b.
somewhat
important to me.
c.
very
important to me.
3.
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
things off until the last minute
4.
Classroom
discussion is:
a.
rarely
helpful to me.
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 directions on my own, then
asking for help as needed.
6.
I
need faculty comments on my assignments:
a.
within
a few weeks, so I can review what I did.
b.
within
a few days, or I forget what I did.
c.
right
away, or I get frustrated
7.
Considering
my professional and personal schedule, the
amount of time I have to work on online
courses is:
a.
more
than enough for a campus class, a
teleclass, or an online course.
b.
the
same as a class on campus.
c.
less
than for a class on campus.
8.
When
I am asked to use VCRs, computers, voice
mail, or other technologies new to me:
a.
I
look forward to learning new skills.
b.
I
feel apprehensive, but try it anyway.
c.
I
put it off and try to avoid it.
9.
As
a reader, I would classify myself as:
a.
good
- I usually understand the text without
help.
b.
average
- I sometimes need help to understand the
text.
c.
slower
than average.
10.
If
I have to go to the campus to take exams
or arrange for a proctor at a campus near
my home:
a.
I
can go to a nearby campus anytime.
b.
I
may miss some exams or assignments if the
labs are not open evenings and weekends.
c.
I
have difficulty going to any campus, even
in the evenings or weekends.
Scoring
Scoring may be easier if you print this
page!
3
points for each "A"
2
points for each "B"
1
point for each "C"
20
Points or More
A TeleWeb and/or Online Course is a real
possibility for you.
11 to
19 Points TeleWeb
and/or Online courses may work for you,
but you may need to make a few adjustments
in your schedule and study habits to
succeed.
10
Points or Less Online Courses may not be the best
alternative for you. Talk to your
faculty advisor about your options.
Explanation
The
questions in the quiz reflect
some of the facts about taking Online
courses:
It is
easy for Online
students to
neglect courses because of personal
or professional circumstances, unless
they have compelling reasons for
taking the course.
Some
students prefer the independence of
Online courses; others find it
uncomfortable.
Online
courses give students greater freedom
of scheduling, but they can require
more self-discipline than on-campus
courses.
Some
people learn best by interacting with
other students and instructors, but
Online courses often do not provide
the same opportunity for this
interaction.
Online
courses require you to work from
written directions without
face-to-face instructions.
It may
take several days to get comments back
by mail from your instructor or it may
take a few days for the instructor to
read and respond to your email.
Online
courses require at least as much time
as on-campus courses, maybe more.
Online
courses use the technologies for
teaching and communications...not all
people are comfortable using
technology to communicate.
Print
materials on paper or on the screen
are the primary source of directions
and information with Online courses.
You must be a good reader to be
successful.
Some
Online courses require some on-campus
work; orientation, review sessions,
exams, labs, etc. Student
schedule flexibility is important.
