Learning, Technologies & Development

Is Online Right For You?

Are Online/Hybrid Courses Right for You?

Are you looking for learning that is flexible and fits your lifestyle? Are you able to learn somewhat independently? Do you like to be responsible for your own learning?

Online/Hybrid courses may be for you. To determine if online/hybrid courses might be appropriate for you, complete the short questionnaire below. Be honest!—no one will see the results but you.

This quiz was adapted, with permission, from a questionnaire developed by the Extended Learning Institute of Northern Virginia Community College.

1. My need to take this course now is:

	high—I need it immediately for a job, degree or other reason
	moderate—I could take it later at a provider site or substitute another course
	low—it is not very important at this time

Because of work or family concerns or issues, students sometimes neglect distance learning courses. Having a strong work-related reason for taking a course may help motivate you to complete the course successfully.

2. Having face-to-face interaction with my instructors and other students is:

	not particularly important to me
	somewhat important to me
	very important to me

Distance learning requires you to be an independent learner. If you find this unnatural and would miss direct instructor and student contact, then you should pursue a more traditional approach, if possible.

3. I would classify myself as someone who:

	often gets things done ahead of time
	needs reminding to get things done on time
	puts things off until the last minute or doesn’t complete them

If you have the self-discipline to complete tasks, then distance learning should be no problem for you. If you need reminders and other encouragement, then this may not be the best type of learning for you.

4. Classroom discussion is:

	rarely helpful to me
	sometimes helpful to me
	almost always helpful to me

Some people learn best by listening to others, especially in class. Although chat rooms, threaded discussions, and interactive television can help you communicate with other students, group discussion may not always be possible. Some people learn better by reading and reviewing on their own and may be more suited to distance learning.

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

	figuring out the instructions myself
	trying to follow directions on my own but am willing to ask for help as needed
	having the instructions explained to me

You may need to call, e-mail, or fax your instructor if you have difficulty following written directions. Patience and persistence may be necessary to receive the clarifications or directions you need from the instructor.

6. I need faculty feedback on my assignments:

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

With distance learning, you may not receive feedback immediately as you would in a classroom setting. Many instructors, however, respond to your request for comments on projects, exams, etc. very quickly by e-mail and other methods.

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

	more than for a course at a provider site
	the same as for a class at a provider site
	less than for a class at a provider site

You should spend about the same amount of time (maybe even more) on a distance learning course than on classroom-based learning.

8. Coming to a provider site on a regular basis for a class is:

	extremely difficult for me (because of work, family, or personal reasons)
	somewhat difficult, but I can probably rearrange priorities in order to attend
	not difficult

Distance learners find it difficult to come to a campus or provider site for their learning; they prefer the flexibility distance learning provides as they juggle work, family, and personal schedules.

9. I would classify my reading ability as:

	good—I usually understand what I read without help
	average—I sometimes need help to understand what I read
	below average—I often need help to understand what I read

The ability to read well is important since much of distance learning is print-based. There are ways to improve your reading ability—check with your advisor or counselor for more information.

10. When I am asked to use technologies such as e-mail, the Internet, or new software:

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

Many distance learning courses require the use of CD-ROMs, the Internet, special software, etc. If you want to pursue distance learning, you should be willing to explore and take chances.

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