Are you prepared for online learning?

<Introduction>

  Instructions: For each row in the table below, click the radio button that best describes you. When you are finished, read the guidelines for interpreting the score.
 
Answers that indicate an online course is a good choice.   Weight   Answers that indicate an online class may not be a good choice at this time.
  • I am comfortable and proficient at creating, saving, locating, and opening different types of files on a computer.

1

  • I am not comfortable or proficient working with files on a computer.
  • I have reliable access to a high-speed Internet connection (DSL, cable, dorm, etc)

2

  • I have regular access only to a dial-up modem for Internet access.
  • I know how to check my official virginia.edu email account and I can access it regularly to check for new messages.

1

  • I have never checked my official virginia.edu email account. (FAQ)
  • I have access to a webcam and microphone for simple multimedia participation.

2

  • I do not have a webcam and microphone, or I will need to borrow those things.
  • I have no problem retaining information if I read it.

2

  • I retain information better if I hear it spoken directly to me.
  • I am comfortable using online discussion forums.

1

  • I have never really posted messages to an online forum before.
  • I am usually able to stay on task and avoid distractions (texting, Facebook) while studying.

3

  • I get distracted easily while studying and need a lot of time to accomplish my work.
  • I am very good at planning and managing my time so that my work is on time and complete.

4

  • I am ok with time management but have had to ask professors for extensions in the past.
  • Setting aside a regular set of hours per course per week to devote to an online class is possible for me.

3

  • It's hard for me to predict when I'll be able to do the online work. I thought you could do the work whenever you wanted.
  • I have little or no trouble expressing myself in writing using formal grammar and spelling.

3

  • I have found using formal grammar and spelling to be a challenge in expressing myself.
  • I am comfortable learning through individual reading and study.

3

  • I usually need direct explanation by an instructor and face-to-face interaction with peers to feel comfortable learning material.
  • I can learn from a variety of formats (lectures, videos, podcasts, online discussion/conferencing).

2

  • My learning style usually requires a structured lecture at its core.
  • I know how to login to UVaCollab and I am familiar with using the most common tools.

1

  • I have little or no experience accessing and using Blackboard.
  • I have my own relatively new computer (2-3 years old) onto which I can install any additional software necessary for the course.

3

  • My computer is 5-7 years old.
    –or–
  • I use the computer labs on campus or someone else's to do my work.
  • If I can't figure out something, I am comfortable asking my classmates or the instructor for help via email, discussion board, or chat.

4

  • Meeting with my professor in person to ask questions is more comfortable for me.
You are ready. ⇐
 
 Total
 
 ⇒ You might need more preparation.

 

 

Interpreting the Results

A total score of 17 or higher in the right-hand column is a strong indication that you may need more preparation to be successful in online coursework. Here are some excellent tips to get you started. If you are worried about your preparedness for success in an online course, we recommend that you talk to your instructors, academic advisor, and association dean.

Questions that are weighted "3" and "4" in the center column address crucial study skills needed for an online class. The most successful online students will have answered all of those questions in the left-hand column (regardless of what their total score happens to be) or will work to address them over the course of the semester.

Questions weighted "1" and "2" are also important for an online class, but many of the topics they address are things that don't automatically block a student's academic success in the class or can be remedied once the class begins.

 

 

License

Creative Commons License

This material is based on original content by Glenn Pillsbury at Stanislaus State, which was published freely under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license at https://www.csustan.edu/teach-online/online-readiness-self-assessment.