Distance Learning and Student Self-Assessment
Socrates, Distance Learning Technologies Group, from Arizona, compiled a student evaluation for potential online students. Check off the answers to the following questions to help you decide if online learning is right for you.
This self-assessment pertains to your individual personality and attitude toward the learning environment. Also, it does not address your computer skills, which will be assessed in the next section of this online orientation.
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Student Self-Assessment |
YES |
NO |
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1. |
Do you have (or are you willing to obtain) access to a computer and phone line at home? |
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2. |
Do you feel that high quality learning can take place without going to a traditional educational facility? |
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3. |
Do you like the idea of sharing your work, life, and educational experiences as part of the learning process? |
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4. |
Can you make 4 to 6 hours a week (anytime during the day or night) available to participate in the learning process? |
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5. |
Are you a self-motivated and self-disciplined person? |
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6. |
Are you comfortable in communicating in writing? |
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7. |
Do you
see value in being able to think an idea |
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8. |
Do you subscribe to the value of introducing critical thinking into the learning process? |
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9. |
Do you
see the possibility of increased learning |
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10. |
Do you accept the value of facilitated learning as an advantage over the more traditional lecture based learning processes? |
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ANALYSIS: To be a good candidate for an online program, you should have answered YES to questions 1, 4, and 6. In addition, you should have answered YES to 5 of the remaining 7questions.
Self-Assessment Results - If you answered NO to questions 1, 4, and/or 6
You’re probably better suited for a traditional campus-based college experience than a distance learning environment. However, since it can sometimes take up to six years to earn a bachelors degree, you may want to consider whether or not a distance learning program may serve as a way to help you graduate in a timely manner. Some summer course work through a distance learning program may be a great way to supplement your on-campus course work. You should probably look for a program that will provide you with faculty or mentor feedback on a regular basis.
Self-Assessment Results - If you answered YES to questions 1, 4, and 6, plus questions 6-10, you are probably a good candidate for an online course. You should investigate whether distance learning programs are suitable for meeting at least part of your educational needs. For example, you may want to complete a significant portion of your academic work through a distance learning program but still allow yourself time for some of your work to be completed in a traditional classroom setting.