Is Online Learning for You?

Is an online class BEST for you and the way you learn? Check out the Questionnaire below for some answers.

Also Consider Some Essential Points concerning Online Learning before enrolling in an course, even if you are sure you want to study in this way.

1. My need to take this course is . . .

   	High  - I need it immediately  for degree, job or other important reason.
   	Moderate - I could take it on campus later.
   	Low  - It's a personal interest that could be postponed.

2. Seeing the faces and hearing the voices of students in class . . .

   	not particularly necessary to me.
   	somewhat important to me.
   	very important to me.

3. I am someone who . . .

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

4. I find classroom discussions are . . .

   	rarely helpful.
   	sometimes helpful.
   	almost always helpful.

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

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

6. I need faculty comments on my assignments . . .

   	right away, or I get very frustrated.
   	within a few days or I forget what I did.
   	within a few weeks, since I can review what I did.

7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on this course is . . .

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

8. When I am asked to use VCR's computers, voice mail or other technologies that may be new to me . . .

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

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

   	Good - I usually understand the text without help.
   	Average - I sometimes need help to understand the text.
   	Slower than average.

Points for potential Online students to consider

1. Online Learning course work can be neglected because of personal or family circumstances, unless there are compelling reasons for completing a 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 with other students face-to-face rather than electronically, Online Learning courses do not afford as much opportunity for face-to-face interaction.
5. Online Learning courses require you to work from written directions, without face-to-face explanations by the instructor. You can, however, email your instructor and classmates as much as needed.
6. Online Learning  requires at least as much time as attending classes and completing assignments for campus courses.
7. Online Learning courses use technology for teaching and communication. You will need to be comfortable with up and downloading your assignments, as well as moving them in and out of your word processing software. Some help will be available.
8. Print materials are the primary source of directions and information in distance learning courses. Online Learning may require trips to campus or testing centers for orientation and exams.

Thanks to Brian McKinney of Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California for the original questions and bits of advice that were slightly modified and Joe McDonald of CSN's Math Department for the interactive functions.

If you have questions about the material on this or any other web page for this course, please contact elearning@csn.edu