SELF-ASSESSMENT FOR DISTANCE LEARNING

Check whether you agree, disagree with the questions that follow. Then click "check my answers" and use the responses to guide your decision about your readiness to enroll in an online course.

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Study Habits/Learning Preferences

  • Considering my professional and personal schedule, I could spend about the same amount of time on an online course as needed for an on-campus course (e.g., a 3-credit course meets for 1.5 hours, four days a week; remember to consider evening preparation time, generally 2 hours per credit hour).

    • Agree   Disagree

  • I am a self-starter. I do not like to procrastinate and am movtivated to follow a schedule of my own making. I do not need the stimulus of other students or of being face-to-face with my instructor to keep me involved in my course.

    • Agree   Disagree

  • I feel comfortable expressing my ideas, comments, and questions in writing. I would have no problem expressing myself in term papers or complex on-line conversations using discussion boards or chat rooms.

    • Agree   Disagree

  • I can generally read and understand text material without help. I can generally follow directions for assignments on my own and do not require face-to-face assistance from my instructor.

    • Agree   Disagree

Hardware/Internet Connectivity

  • I have easy access to a computer that meets the following minimum specifications: Pentium II 266 MIIz CPU; 32 Megabytes RAM; sound card and speakers; SVGA Monitor w/4+ Megabytes of video RAM; 50 Megabyte hard drive; a CD-Rom player; Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows NT, XP, or Vista; Microsoft Office suite; and a printer.

    • Agree   Disagree

  • The computer I have access to has stable access to the Internet.

    • Agree   Disagree

  • My internet connection is through a 56K modem or better.

    • Agree   Disagree

Basic Technology Skills

  • I understand the basic function of computer hardware components, such as central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, printer, and disk.

    • Agree   Disagree

  • I know how to find and launch specific software programs, navigate between programs, and search the internet. I am also comfortable using e-mail.

    • Agree   Disagree

  • I know how to save work to a hard disk, floppy disk, or other removable storage. I am comfortable attaching documents.

    • Agree   Disagree

  • I know how to exit/quit an application and/or shutdown computers properly.

    • Agree   Disagree

  • I am comfortable using and learning about technology. I have a television and DVD player in my home. I have ready access to an up-to-date computer with a CD or DVD drive.

    • Agree   Disagree

Blackboard

  • I have used Blackboard, WebCT, or another course-management system.

    • Agree   Disagree

Library Skills

  • I know how to access information about library services on GW Library's website.

    • Agree   Disagree

  • I know how to find a book or journal article through GW's online catalogue (ALADIN).

    • Agree   Disagree