Is Distance Learning For You?

How well would distance learning courses fit your circumstances and lifestyle? Circle one answer for each question and score as directed.

1. My need to take this course now is: A. High - I need it immediately for degree or job, or other important reason. B. Moderate - I could take it on campus later or substitute another course. C. Low - it's a personal interest that could be postponed.

2. Feeling that I am part of a class is: A. Not particularly necessary to me. B. Somewhat important to me. C. Very important to me.

3. I would classify myself as someone who: A. Often gets things done ahead of time. B. Needs reminding to get things done on time. C. Puts things off until the last minute.

4. Classroom discussion is: A. Rarely helpful to me. B. Sometimes helpful to me. C. Almost always helpful to me.

5. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer: A. Figuring out the instructions myself. B. Trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed. C. Having the instructions explained to me.

6. I need instructor comments on my assignments: A. Within a few weeks, so I can review what I did. B. Within a few days, or I forget what I did. C. Right away, or I get very frustrated.

7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on a distance learning course is: A. More than enough for a campus class or a distance learning course. B. The same as for a class on campus. C. Less than for a class on campus.

8. When I am asked to use VCR's, DVD players, voicemail, computers, attach Word documents via e-mail, or other technologies new to me: A. I look forward to learning new skills. B. I feel apprehensive, but try anyway. C. I put it off or try to avoid it.

9. As a reader, I would classify myself as: A. Good - I usually understand the text without help. B. Average - I sometimes need help to understand the text. C. Slower than average.

10. If I have to go to campus to take exams or complete work: A. I can go to campus anytime. B. I may miss some lab assignments or exam deadlines if campus labs are not open evenings and weekends. C. I will have difficulty getting to the campus, even in the evenings and on weekends.

Scoring: Add 3 points for each "A" that you circled, 2 for each "B", and 1 for each "C".

If you scored 20 or over, a distance learning course is a real possibility for you.

If you scored between 11 and 20, distance learning may work for you, but you need to make a few adjustments in your schedule and study habits to succeed. If you scored 10 or less, distance learning may not currently be the best alternative for you; talk to your academic counselor.

Explanations: The 10 questions in the questionnaire reflect some of the facts about taking distance learning courses:

1. Distance Learning students sometimes can end up neglecting their coursework because of personal or professional circumstances, unless they have compelling reasons for taking the course.

2. Some students prefer the independence of distance learning courses; others find it uncomfortable.

3. Distance learning courses give students greater freedom of scheduling, but they can require more self-discipline than ‘face to face’ campus classes.

4. Some people learn best by interacting with other students and instructors, but distance learning courses often do not provide much opportunity for this interaction.

5. Distance learning courses require you to work from written directions without face-to-face instructions.

6. It may take as long as two weeks to get comments back by mail from your instructor.

7. Distance learning courses require at least as much time as on-campus courses.

8. Distance learning courses frequently use technology for teaching and communications.

9. Print materials or online course materials are the primary source of directions and information in distance learning courses.

10. Distance learning courses may require some on-campus work such as certain labs or testing. Student schedule flexibility is important.

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