Is online learning for you?
We encourage you to take your time and reflect on whether or not
online learning will match your learning style.
Self-assessment tools
We hope these self-assessment tools will help you decide whether
online courses are the right option for you.
Self-Evaluation for Potential Online Students, Illinois Online
Network
Am I Ready for
Distance Learning? Florida Distance Learning Consortium
Are Distance
Learning Courses for Me? College of DuPage
Are Online Courses for Me? North Iowa Area Community College
Online courses offered by the College
Once you have determined that online courses are a good choice for
your educational and career plans, you can consult University course
catalogues and college course schedules to find and register for online
course(s).
About online learning
Are you technically savvy?
Your ability to access and work in online learning environment is
critical for your success. Online courses use a variety of modern
technologies to deliver/support instruction. If you are not yet
comfortable using technology, you need to take time and learn some basic
skills: how to use Web browsers and e-mail applications, and how to
download and install software. In addition, you need to know where and
when to get help to solve technology-related problems.
What's your experience with online
courses?
If you already have experience with online learning, you are in an
advantageous position. You have an idea of what to expect and, perhaps,
already have a strategy for success.
However, courses differ. Courses vary in content, instructional
methods used, workload, assessment requirements, student population,
etc. Your learning strategy and study tips might need to be refined to
align with the goals of your next online course.
What does flexibility mean to you?
Flexibility is undoubtedly one of the biggest advantages of online
learning, but it can also lead to potential problems. While you can
access and work on your instructional materials and assignments at your
convenience, you are still required to meet important course dates and
deadlines. Your instructor and the course designer provide you with the
important dates and requirements in advance to help you organize your
time. Strong self-discipline, a high level of commitment, and excellent
time management skills are the key to success in online learning
environment.
Academic rigor
Online courses are not easy. You will be expected to work with multiple
sources of information, do a lot of readings, participate in diverse
activities, and submit assignments. You should plan and put as much
study time into your online course as you would for a regular course.
Responsibility for learning
Your learning experience may differ from what you have experienced in
regular classrooms. Your instructor will not be your only source of
information; rather, s/he will guide you to multiple resources.
Ultimately, it will be your responsibility to read the content files,
explore supplemental resources, work on your individual and/or group
assignments, and practice what you have learned.
It is appropriate to expect guidance and assistance from an online
instructor. But bear in mind that communication and interaction with
your instructor and classmates online is mediated and often
time-delayed. You may need to spend more time trying to figure out
answers by yourself, and you will have to plan ahead to make sure you
have the information you need when you need it most.
Writing vs. reading
In most cases, online course communication and interaction is
text-based. You will be using e-mail applications and online discussion
forums to interact with your instructor(s) and your classmate(s). You
should be able to express your thoughts in written form, be willing to
spend considerable time reading, and be eager to share your views with
your classmates.
Participation
Most online courses require student participation. If you do not post
messages and send e-mails, you are invisible and effectively absent from
the class. You are expected to be pro-active online: talk to the
instructor(s), reach out to your classmates, ask questions, and share
your opinions. You also need to be able to voice any concerns and/or ask
for help if you need it.
July 2005
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