Online Learning Orientation: Are YOU "Ready" for Online Classes?
Step 2: Is Online Learning Right for Me?
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There are challenges that you need to be aware of and certain study, behavior and technical skills that make online learning easier for you. The following resources and information will help you answer the question . . .
[Note that some browsers may require a special plug-in or add-on to do the following questionnaires. If you get such a notice, please download this to take the assessment.]
Can You Be Successful Online?
Take this short questionnaire (link opens in new web browser window or tab) to find out if you are ready for online learning. The questionnaire will ask you to print your results to share with a counselor or instructor so that you can discuss your best plan of action. |
Do I Really Have Enough Time?
Take this Time Management Interactive Guide to find out! (link opens in a new window)
Time management is often a challenge! This is true in any course, but especially so in an online one because you do not have specific class times set aside. For that very reason, many find online classes appealing because of their flexibility, but is there really enough time in the week to do your class work (e.g. 9 hours for a 3 credit class)? This interactive calendar will help you figure out (a) if you have the time to take an online course and (b) if the time you do have is at a reasonable time for you to study (e.g. if you only have time at 3 a.m., is it reasonable to think you will study then?)
Do I Have the Skills Necessary for Success?
- Computer Skills?
Complete this Computer Skills Inventory (link opens in a new window)
It is essential to have basic technology skills so that you can easily navigate through your online course activities.
- Initiative to Learn on my Own?
You consider yourself as being a self-directed and motivated person. One of the challenges to success is that there isn't an instructor "in front of the classroom" leading you through activities. You need to read and explore the course content on your own.
If you prefer having face-to-face contact and interaction with your instructor and classmates, online learning may feel "lonely" and uncomfortable to you. Often there is actually more contact and interaction online, but it is done primarily through e-mail and online discussions. Some instructors use a chat room or web conferencing tool, which although still not face-to-face, does provide synchronous communications similar to using a phone with text messaging.
If you stuggle with patience, expect immediate feedback and replies to messages or help inquiries, then online learning may be a challenge. Unlike an online service that has people online and/or at phones 24/7/365 (every hour of every day), your instructor, other students and support staff may take a day or two to reply and provide the feedback you requested.
Think about how this compares to asking questions in the on-campus class. Your on-campus instructor can only answer a limited number of questions during the face-to-face session. If you weren't fortunate enough to get your question asked, then you need to wait. You can wait until the next class session, call or meet the instructor during scheduled office hours or send an e-mail to your instructor and wait for a response. In the online class, you can post your question to a discussion forum or e-mail your class. Since the class is online, other students and the instructor are in there frequently, so a response generally is received as fast, or faster, and with more detailed explanations online. Online students can also call the instructor during office hours, or if local, can schedule a face-to-face meeting with the instructor.
- Necessary Reading and Writing Skills?
Online learning requires a significant amout of reading. You must communicate and interact with your instructor and other students through writing. Do you feel your reading and writing (keyboarding) skills are sufficient enough considering these are the critical skills for learning and communication? If you struggle with either reading or writing, then online learning will be quite challenging, and will require more time to complete activities and assignments.
- Place to study, free of interruptions, with reliable access to the Internet?
It is critical for success in online learning to have not only the time, but the place that allows you to focus on your class work. This becomes challenging if you are working online and have family members trying to gain access to the same computer or wanting your time for themselves. When you plan your schedule for class time, keep in mind that the location is also very important. You may want to even come to campus and use a computer in the Center for Learning in the Osterlin building or another NMC computer lab. There are other Internet access locations such as public libraries that may be near you. Often it is helpful to get away from the people and activities that create distractions.
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