Is taking an online class a good fit for you?

Learning through an online class requires different skills than learning in a face-to-face class. It’s important to know what you’re getting into and to understand the kind of commitment that’s necessary for success in online learning. You can get a good idea of your readiness for online learning by filling out the following assessment.

This assessment is for informational purposes only and is not required for enrollment. For additional help figuring out whether an online class is a worthwhile option for you, consult with your academic advisor.

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 have taken an online class in the recent past. 2 I have never taken an online class.
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 regular (and reliable) 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 use email. 1 I have never used email.
I have access to a webcam and microphone for simple multimedia participation. 1 I do not have a webcam and microphone, or I will need to borrow those things.
I have no problem reading and retaining what I have read. 2 I do not read very well.
I am comfortable using online discussion forums. 1 I have never participated in an online forum.
I am usually able to stay on task while studying. 3 I am easily distracted while studying.
I am very good at planning and managing my time so that my work is on time and complete. 3 I am ok with time management but have had to ask professors for extensions in the past.
Setting aside a regular 5-8 hours per week to devote to an online class is possible for me. 3 Setting aside a regular 5-8 hours per week to devote to an online class would be difficult.
I have little or no trouble expressing myself in writing using formal grammar and spelling. 3 I often have difficulty expressing myself in writing using formal grammar and spelling.
I am comfortable learning through individual reading and study. 3 It would be challenging for me to learn through individual reading and study.
I can learn from a variety of formats (lectures, videos, podcasts, online discussion/conferencing). 2 I learn best through face-to-face lectures only.
I have friends who have taken online classes and could help me if needed. 1 I do not have friends who have taken online classes and could help me if needed.
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 lab on campus to complete my course 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. 3 If I can’t figure out something, I am usually more comfortable talking to my professor in person.
Online is good choice ⇐
Total
⇒ Online may not be a good choice

Interpreting the Results

A total score of 17 or higher in the right-hand column is a strong indication that you will likely face more challenges than may be desired in an online class. While online may not be the best choice at the moment, if you are still interested in being an online student, you should understand some of the challenges and what you need to do to overcome them. A page hosted by the Illinois Online Network has some good discussion: What Makes a Successful Online Student.

Questions that are weighted “3” 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 work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

This material is based on original content by Glenn Pillsbury at CSU Stanislaus, which was published freely under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license at https://www.csustan.edu/teach-online/online-readiness-self-assessment-0.