Is An Internet or Video Course for Me?
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Please take this self-assessment  quiz to help you decide if an Internet or Video Course is for you.  Select one answer for each question and score as directed at the end.

1.    My reason for taking this distance learning course is:
            a.   I need this course and cannot take it on-campus. (high priority)
            b.   I could take it on campus later or substitute another course. (moderate priority)
            c.  It is something that could be postponed. (low priority)

2.    Feeling that I am part of a class is:
            a.  not particularly important 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 instructions for an assignment, I usually:
            a.  figure out the instructions myself.
            b.  try to follow the instructions on my own, then ask for help as needed.
            c.  having the instructions explained to me.

6.    I need instructors comments or feedback on my assignments:
            a.  within a  week, so I can review what I did.
            b.  within a few days, or I forget what I did.
            c.  right away, or I get frustrated.

7.    Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on distance learning courses is:
            a.  more than an on-campus class.
            b.  the same as an on-campus class.
            c.  less than for a class on campus.

8.    When I am asked to use VCRs, computers, e-mail, or other technologies new to me:
            a.  I look forward to learning new skills.
            b.  I feel apprehensive, but try it anyway.
            c.  I put it off and 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.  poor - I often need help understanding what I have read.

10.    If I am required to come on-campus for orientation sessions, revision sessions, or exams:
            a.  I can come to campus anytime.
            b.  I may miss some on-campus sessions or exams if they conflict with my professional or personal schedule.
            c.  I would have difficulty coming to campus, due to logistical or personal reasons.

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Scoring:  For Every: A  3 points
                                    B   2 points
                                    C   1 point

If you scored 20 or over, an Internet course or a Video course is a real possibility for you.  If you scored between 11 and 20, an Internet course may work for you, but you may need to make a few adjustments in your schedule and study habits to succeed. You may be better suited for a Video course as you still have some on-campus orientation and review sessions.  If you scored 10 or less, an Internet or Video course is not a good choice for you; you should talk to your faculty advisor to find an alternative course format.

Explanation:

The ten questions in the questionnaire reflect some of the facts about taking Internet and Video courses.

  1. Distance Learning and Internet students sometimes can end up neglecting courses because of personal or professional circumstances, unless they have compelling reasons for taking the course.
  2. Some students prefer the independence of Internet courses, Video courses, or combination Internet/Video courses; others find it uncomfortable.
  3. Video courses and Internet courses give students greater freedom of scheduling, but they require more self-discipline than on-campus courses.
  4. Some people learn best by interacting with other students and instructors, but Internet courses, Video courses and combination Internet/Video courses do not provide the same opportunity for this interaction.
  5. Internet courses, Video courses and combination Internet/Video courses require you to work from written directions without face-to-face instructions.
  6. Although unusual, it may take up to a week  for your instructor to read and respond to your email.
  7. Internet courses require more time than on-campus courses.
  8. Most Distance Learning courses use new technologies for teaching and communications and not all people are comfortable using these new technologies. Video courses are less technically challenging because everyone is able to operate a VCR.
  9. Print materials on paper or on the screen are the primary source of directions and information with distance learning courses.  You must be a good reader to be successful.
  10. Some Internet courses, video courses and combination Internet/Video courses may  require you to come on-campus for orientation, review sessions, exams, labs, etc. 

Please be aware of the particular course requirements when electing to take a distance learning course.

Ideas and general content in this survey were borrowed with permission from Ann Launstein, Distance Education Coordinator Oregon Community College,    www.lbcc.cc.or.us/occdec

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