Spry Multiple Elements Sliding Sample

Why this is important:
Generally, the more urgently you need to take an online course, the more motivated you'll be, and therefore more successful. If you have a strong reason for taking an online course, like a job goal, you're more motivated to spend the time to complete it.

Why this is important:
Allowing more study time while you're taking an online course is a good idea, partly because it may take a while to get used to the way it works, and partly because there's generally more reading and writing to do in online courses. Of course, when you work on your course is up to you.

Why this is important:
If online is the only way that you can take your course, you'll be very motivated to succeed in it. If you're considering taking an online course, but you also can get to campus easily, you may want to review your reasons for considering it. It might save commute time, but you'll need to stay motivated to keep up with the course work.

Why this is important:
Any study space should be private, quiet, and roomy. For online courses, you need to have access to a computer as well, so your study area must also be where the computer is located, which is ideally at home.

Why this is important:
If you have the self-discipline to complete tasks, online courses should be no problem for you. If you need frequent reminders to stay on schedule, online learning might be more difficult for you.

Why this is important:
Since there is no set class time, all your studying will be outside of class. If you're used to doing this regularly, you will be a lot more successful in and online course.

Why this is important:
It's important to be a good reader when taking online courses, as most of the course information is communicated in print materials.

Why this is important:
Online courses require you to work from written directions. The instructor can be available to help, but it may not be at the time you want.

Why this is important:
Online courses may require more time than traditional courses. If you're not able to stay on schedule in a traditional course, you'll probably have more trouble in an online course.

Why this is important:
You need to be more active in seeking out information for an online course than for a traditional course. You need to be able to find answers to questions on your own, and some assignments require you to use outside resources that you find on your own.

Why this is important:
Online courses require you to be an independent learner. If feeling like you "belong" to a class or the college is important for you, you may feel isolated taking online courses.

Why this is important:
Some people learn best by listening to others, especially in class. Though most online courses include discussions, videos, or chats, it's a different form of communication than in-class discussion.

Why this is important:
If you need instant responses as in face to face or even "live" online types of communication, you may have difficulty with online courses. Most communication is asynchronous (one way, with a time delay) in online courses.

Why this is important:
Putting your thoughts and opinions in writing is very important for online success. Though there are sometimes instances when you can interact verbally, even from a distance, it's much rarer in online learning than writing assignments.

Why this is important:
Studying alone is the most common method in online courses, but most instructors have online office hours, or are available via email or phone, for short questions. Though there are often group assignments, the group might never meet together in person.

Why this is important:
Of course, a computer is necessary, but it also has to be available to you at the times you want to study. Limited access can be very frustrating, or keep you from staying on schedule.

Why this is important:
There will always be a minimum configuration required for taking online courses, but it's much better if you have access to up-to-date software and high speed communication.

Why this is important:
If your computer is part of your daily life, you will be more at ease using it as your only access to your course.

Why this is important:
Your familiarity with a variety of applications, and your comfort level using a computer in general is a good indicator of your chances of success in online learning.

Why this is important:
Your only access to your online courses is via the Internet. Good Internet skills will also help you in many assignments that require finding and following links, getting back to your course materials, and so on.

1. My need to take this course now is: A. High. I need it immediately for a specific job goal. B. Moderate. I could take it on campus later or substitute another course. C. Low. It could be postponed.	Why this is important: Generally, the more urgently you need to take an online course, the more motivated you'll be, and therefore more successful. If you have a strong reason for taking an online course, like a job goal, you're more motivated to spend the time to complete it.
2. Considering my work and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on an online course is: A. More than for a traditional course at the college. B. The same as for a traditional course at the college. C. Less than for a traditional course at the college.	Why this is important: Allowing more study time while you're taking an online course is a good idea, partly because it may take a while to get used to the way it works, and partly because there's generally more reading and writing to do in online courses. Of course, when you work on your course is up to you.
3. Coming to campus on a regular schedule is: A. Extremely difficult for me. I have commitments (work, family or personal) during times when classes are offered. B. A little difficult, but I can rearrange my schedule to allow for regular attendance on campus. C. Easy for me, but I want the option of not attending.	Why this is important: If online is the only way that you can take your course, you'll be very motivated to succeed in it. If you're considering taking an online course, but you also can get to campus easily, you may want to review your reasons for considering it. It might save commute time, but you'll need to stay motivated to keep up with the course work.
4. The space I have available for studying is: A. Private, quiet and roomy enough for me to work. B. At the kitchen table, with other family members coming and going. C. I can study at the public library or at work when I'm not busy.	Why this is important: Any study space should be private, quiet, and roomy. For online courses, you need to have access to a computer as well, so your study area must also be where the computer is located, which is ideally at home.
5. I would classify myself as someone who: A. Often gets things done ahead of time. B. Needs reminding sometimes to get things done on time. C. Puts things off until the last minute and sometimes don't get them done.	Why this is important: If you have the self-discipline to complete tasks, online courses should be no problem for you. If you need frequent reminders to stay on schedule, online learning might be more difficult for you.
Next

11. Feeling that I am part of a class and a college is: A. Not particularly necessary to me. B. Somewhat important to me. C. Very important to me.	Why this is important: Online courses require you to be an independent learner. If feeling like you "belong" to a class or the college is important for you, you may feel isolated taking online courses.
12. Classroom discussion is: A. Rarely helpful to me. B. Sometimes helpful to me. C. Almost always helpful to me.	Why this is important: Some people learn best by listening to others, especially in class. Though most online courses include discussions, videos, or chats, it's a different form of communication than in-class discussion.
13. My favorite way to communicate with my friends and co-workers is through: A. Leaving phone messages and email. B. Texting, social forums, or instant messaging. C. Face to face conversations.	Why this is important: If you need instant responses as in face to face or even "live" online types of communication, you may have difficulty with online courses. Most communication is asynchronous (one way, with a time delay) in online courses.
14. I feel that I can better express my opinions: A. In an online discussion format or on paper, where I can write my thoughts. B. In a "live" online setting, like a webinar. C. In a real classroom with the rest of the class.	Why this is important: Putting your thoughts and opinions in writing is very important for online success. Though there are sometimes instances when you can interact verbally, even from a distance, it's much rarer in online learning than writing assignments.
15. I feel that I learn better when: A. I can study alone. B. I study alone; but can talk with my instructor during office hours. C. When I study with friends.	Why this is important: Studying alone is the most common method in online courses, but most instructors have online office hours, or are available via email or phone, for short questions. Though there are often group assignments, the group might never meet together in person.
Previous \| Next \|

Am I Ready?

For each question, click on the button beside the answer that most represents your own interests, habits, and needs. Note the reason for each question after you answer.

1. My need to take this course now is:

2. Considering my work and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on an online course is:

3. Coming to campus on a regular schedule is:

4. The space I have available for studying is:

5. I would classify myself as someone who:

6. In my past school experience, I:

7. I would classify my reading ability as:

8. When I receive an assignment, I prefer:

9. When I study:

10. When I study:

11. Feeling that I am part of a class and a college is:

12. Classroom discussion is:

13. My favorite way to communicate with my friends and co-workers is through:

14. I feel that I can better express my opinions:

15. I feel that I learn better when:

16. I have access to a reliable computer:

17. The computer I use has:

18. I use a computer mostly for:

19. My level of experience using a computer is:

20. My level of experience using the Internet is: