Self-Assessment Survey

Is Online learning right for me?

Does your schedule allow enough time for online learning? Can you communicate effectively with others? Are you comfortable around technology? This Self-Assessment survey will help you discover the answers to these questions and more.

Answer this series of nine questions related to time management, communication and technology.

Self Assessment Survey

Question One: Schedules

Considerations about Schedules

While online learning is flexible and can be accessed “anytime, anywhere,” online students should have schedules that allow them to focus on coursework each week with minimal distractions.

My personal and professional schedule is:

Predictable: I can generally plan, well in advance, blocks of time to devote to my coursework.

Generally predictable: Sometimes last-minute meetings or events come up that I cannot reschedule.

Unpredictable: I am seldom sure when I’ll have free time that I can set aside for my coursework.

Question Two: Time

Considerations about Time

Online courses require at least as much, if not more, of a time commitment than traditional courses. Completing coursework can take from five to fifteen hours or more per week. You may find that you need to be online almost every day.

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).

Question Three: Time Management

Considerations about Time Management

In an online course, you are dependent on yourself for motivation and focus to complete tasks before the deadline. Waiting till the last minute to turn in work can be complicated by troubles with technology. Finishing tasks early can help to alleviate stress.

I consider myself a student who is:

Great at time management: I can do my assignments, stay focused, and finish coursework ahead of time without being reminded by the instructor.

Okay at time management: I sometimes need help staying focused and usually complete my homework at the last minute.

Not very good at time management: I need a lot of assistance staying focused and motivated to complete coursework.

Question Four: Reading and Writing

Considerations about Reading and Writing

In an online class, almost all communication is text-based. You must be comfortable reading information and communicating in writing. Reading and writing take more time than listening and responding. This is a reason why more time may be required in an online class.

I rate my reading and writing skills as:

Excellent: I understand most of what I read and can express myself clearly.

Average: I sometimes need help understanding what I have read or clearly expressing myself.

Poor: I often have difficulty understanding written material or clearly expressing myself.

Question Five: Online Discussions

Considerations about Online Discussions

Online discussions are a way to interact with the course material, students and the instructor. Being actively engaged in an online discussion takes time but can be the most rewarding part of an online course.

My comfort level discussing topics online with others is:

Comfortable: I regularly correspond online with colleagues friends and family.

Fairly Comfortable: I don’t have much experience online but with practice I could become more comfortable.

Uncomfortable: I am not comfortable with the idea of discussing topics with people I never meet or see

Question Six: Asking Questions

Considerations about Asking Questions

Visual clues and body language are ways a face-to-face instructor determines if students are present and understanding the material. These clues are not available in online classes. The only way an online instructor can “see” you are present and understanding material is through regular communication.

My comfort level asking questions is:

Comfortable: I feel comfortable approaching an instructor to ask for clarification and help when needed.

Fairly Comfortable: I am uncomfortable approaching an instructor but will ask for help when needed.

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

Question Seven: Computers

Considerations about Computers

The personal computer is the primary learning and communication tool in most online courses. You don’t need to be a computer guru to succeed. But you do need to have some basic technology skills, such as word processing and using a Web browser.

My computer skills are:

Great: I use email, web browsers, word processors regularly and can usually perform advanced tasks on my own.

Average: I use email, web browsers and word processors frequently and can perform basic tasks on my own.

Basic: I have used email, web browsers and word processors but am not very comfortable working on my own.

Question Eight: Troubleshooting

Considerations about Troubleshooting

There are resources at Boise State to help you troubleshoot some technology problems but being comfortable recognizing and troubleshooting basic computer problems when they occur will help lower stress levels and leave more time to focus on coursework.

When there are problems with technology:

I troubleshoot the problem myself: I like trying to solve technology problems on my own and don’t get frustrated easily.

I ask for help: I don’t feel comfortable solving technology problems on my own and ask for help.

I get frustrated: I get frustrated when things don’t work the way they should.

Question Nine: Internet Connection

Considerations about Internet Connection

Regular access to a reliable Internet connection is crucial to online learning success. You can think of the Internet like the car you would drive to an on-campus class. If your car is broken or unavailable you need to make other arrangements to get to class.

My access to the Internet is:

Reliable: I have a high speed Internet connection and access to a backup connection if there are problems.

Fairly reliable: I have a high speed Internet connection but I don’t have a reliable back up connection.

Unreliable: I have an Internet connection but it’s not high speed.