Distance Education

Self Assessment Survey
Distance Learning courses provide students the ability to plan their school schedules around their lives rather than planning their lives around their school schedules. But not all students are well suited for a distance learning course. Everyone has different learning styles and different personalities; therefore, it is important to for you to assess your own style and your own characteristics before enrolling in a distance learning course. The following survey can help you determine whether a distance learning course would fit your lifestyle and needs.
Please choose one answer for each question and then score as directed.
  1. I usually complete homework and other assignments
    1. on time
    2. at the last minute
    3. past the deadline
  2. I am considering taking a distance learning class
    1. because the flexibility fits into my schedule
    2. to add another course to a full load
    3. because I can never seem to make it to my campus classes
  3. When I have to work individually,
    1. I almost always complete the task successfully
    2. I finish the task, but I feel a bit uncomfortable without the instructor's presence
    3. I rarely finish the task
  4. If I am having difficulty with an assignment,
    1. I always ask for help
    2. I sometimes ask for help
    3. I rarely ask for help
  5. Written instructions are
    1. easy for me to follow
    2. easy to follow, but I would prefer to have the instructor explain them to me
    3. confusing and frustrate me
  6. I consider myself to be
    1. a good reader
    2. an adequate reader
    3. a slow reader
  7. When I turn in work,
    1. I can move on to the next assignment while waiting for feedback
    2. I need feedback within a few days
    3. I need immediate feedback
  8. Face to face meetings with my instructor and my classmates
    1. are not important to me
    2. are helpful but not essential
    3. are very important to me
  9. When asked to utilize new skills and technologies as a learner,
    1. I embrace the challenge and enjoy trying new things
    2. I am hesitant to take risks, but I am persistent and determined
    3. I am very uncomfortable and tend to avoid new strategies
  10. As a learner, I would classify myself as being
    1. highly independent
    2. somewhat independent
    3. dependent

Score Analysis:
If you scored from 20-30, you are probably suited for a distance learning class. You are an independent learner who doesn't need constant supervision, and you have the self-discipline to complete tasks on time.

If you scored from 10-20, you probably need to think very carefully about signing up for a distance learning class. If you do decide to take a telecourse or Internet class, please realize that you will probably have to adjust your learning strategies to maximize your potential for success.

If you scored from 0-10, you are probably more well suited for the traditional classroom at this time.

Important Note: Your level of success in any course is determined by a multitude of factors. This analysis is meant to give you an indication of your aptitude for distance learning courses and is in no way a guarantee for success or failure in any course or program.