Are You Ready For An Online Course?     

• The first quiz below helps you to consider the online format used in typical courses by asking you to rate your response to each question.
   
• The second quiz is a financial calculator at the bottom of the page which helps you to quantify the financial savings when taking an online course.

For the questions below, choose an answer for each question, and then score the evaluation as directed below.

1. My need to take this course now is ...

A. High - I need it immediately for degree, job, or other important reason.
B. Moderate - I could take it on campus later.
C. Low - It's a personal interest that could be postponed.

2. My schedule is packed with work, academic, and personal commitments which leaves me...

A. not enough time for an oncampus class.
B. the same amount of time as an oncampus class.
C. more than enough time for an oncampus class.

3. When responding to audio/video-, text-, and image-based directions, I would classify myself as someone who...

A. often responds well to these type of directions.
B. sometimes responds well to these type of directions.
C. does not respond well to these type of directions.

4. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer to...

A. follow the directions on my own.
B. figure out the instructions on my own, then ask for help as needed.
C. have the instructions explained orally first.

5. I prefer traditional classroom instruction where I can interact with students and faculty at a structured time...

A. no, only rarely.
B. sometimes, part of the time.
C. yes, most of the time.

6. When I have questions about a course, I contact my instructor ...

A. right away
B. within a few days
C. within a few weeks

7. When I am asked to use computers, voice mail, discussion boards, email or other technologies that may be new to me ...

A. I look forward to learning new skills.
B. I feel apprehensive, but try anyway.
C. I put it off or try to avoid it.

SCORING: Add 3 points for each A that you chose, 2 points for each B, and 1 point for each C.

If you scored over 15, online courses are a good fit for you.

If you scored between 8 and 14, online courses may be a good fit for you, but you will need to make a few adjustments in how you learn and/or interact with an instructor to succeed.

If you scored 7 or fewer points, online courses may not currently be a suitable option for you - consider reviewing other links within this site and email or call an instructor or counselor for more information.

Distance Learning Calculator

Another factor in choosing to take online courses could be the cost of energy, transportation, and personal obligations (like balancing work hours, participating in sports and academic clubs, or arranging child care to make it to campus). To get a sense of these costs, consider using the Distance Learning Calculator.