What Technical Skills do I Need?

Circle one answer for each question and score as directed.

1. I have regular access to:
           A. A computer and the Internet at home.
           B. A computer but not the Internet at home.
           C. A computer and the Internet only at school.

2. The access speed to the Internet Service Provider (ISP) which I use is:
           A. very fast and is through a TV cable or some other high speed line.
           B. through a fast modem (56K or higher).
           C. through a slow modem (below 56K).

3. How often do you send, receive and open email attachments?
           A. I use email several times each day.
           B. I use it infrequently (one a week or less).
           C. I have never used it.

4. How often do you use bookmarks (also called Favorites) to manage the sites you visit frequently on the Internet?
           A. I use them to manage the sites I visit frequently on the Internet.
           B. I use them but infrequently.
           C. I never use them.

5. How often do you use search engines to locate information on the Internet?
           A. I use them frequently and successfully.
           B. I use them but before but not often.
           C. I have never conducted an Internet search.

6. How often do you create attached files in the email messages you that you send?
           A. I create, save, and attach files to email frequently.
           B. I have emailed attachments but not very often.
           C. I never attached a file to an email message.

7. If requested to use or save documents in a file type such as an “RTF”, “Rich Text Format” or an HTML file,
           A. I would have no difficulty.
           B. I have done it but a reminder of the process would help.
           C. I am not sure that I would know how to do that.

8. If a plug-in or other software were required for a computer,
           A. I would be able to download and install it.
           B. I have done it before, but some instructions would help.
           C. I have no idea what you are talking about or how to do such a thing.

9. If the computer system I was using had problems,
           A. I would be able to decide how to handle the problem.
           B. I think I would call a help line and be able to describe the problem.
           C. I would have no idea what to do.

10. Do you know how to use bulletin (discussion) boards?
           A. I use them with little or no difficulty.
           B. I have used them but a refresher on their use would help.
           C. I have not used them.

11. Do you know how to use chat rooms?
            A. I use them with little or no difficulty.
            B. I have used them but a refresher on their use would help.
            C. I have not used them.

12. My keyboarding skills and my ability to use word processing software is:
           A. Very good.
           B. Okay, but it takes me a while.
           C. Non-existent.

13. I would access the Internet through a computer:
           A. In my home.
           B. At school or at work.
           C. At another location.

14. When asked to print a web page:
           A. I would have no difficulty.
           B. I have done it but a reminder of the process would help.
           C. I am not sure that I would know how to do that.

15. How would you describe your ability to work with multiple windows, i.e., resizing, minimizing, closing, etc.?
           A. I can successfully manage several windows on my desktop.
           B. More than one open application or more than one window confuses me.
           C. I am not sure what the question means.

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

If you scored 33 or over, an eLearning course is a real possibility for you. If you scored between 26 and 32, you may succeed in an on-line course, but you need to brush up your technical skills before registering. If you scored 25 or less, eLearning may not currently be the best alternative for you; talk to your academic advisor.

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