Distance Learning Self-Assessment
Here is a quick self-assessment quiz to help you assess if distance learning is for you. Choose one answer for each question.

  1. My need to take this course now is:
    a. High. I need it immediately for a degree, job, or other important reason.
    b. Moderate. I could take it on campus later or substitute another course.
    c. Low. It's a personal interest that could be postponed.
  2. Feeling that I am part of a class is:
    a. Not particularly necessary for me
    b. Somewhat important tome.
    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 directions for an assignment, I prefer:
    a. Figuring out the instructions myself.
    b. Trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed.
    c. Having the directions explained to me.
  6. I need faculty comments on my assignments:
    a. Within a few weeks, so I can review what I did
    b. Within a few days, or I forget what I did.
    c. Right away or I get very frustrated.
  7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on a telecourse is:
    a. More than enough for a campus class or a telecourse.
    b. The same as for a class on campus
    c. Less than for a class on campus.
  8. When I am asked to use VCRs, computers, voice ail, 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 or 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. Slower than average.
  10. If I have to go to campus to take exams or complete work:
    a. I can go to campus anytime.
    b. I may miss some lab assignments or exam deadlines if campus labs are not open evenings and weekends.
    c. I will have difficulty getting to the campus, even in the evenings and on the weekends.

Now that you have gone through the questions, give yourself 3 points for each "a" answer, 2 points for each "b," and 1 point for each "c" answer.

If you scored 20 or over, distance learning courses are a real possibility for you. If you scored between 11 and 20, distance learning courses may work for you, but you may need to make a few adjustments in your schedule and study habits to succeed. If you scored 10 or less, distance learning courses may not currently be the best alternative for you, talk to your advisor or counselor

 

Adapted from the PBS Adult Learning Service Distance Learning Self-Quiz