1. Am I ready to take a course online? Take this Self-test to find out.
2. Course requirements In order to be prepared to take a course online, there are certain requirements. Some have to do with technology, others with your skills and attitude. This test is meant to help determine whether you meet these requirements.
4. Your computer skills How long have you used computers? Do you often check your email? How often do you navigate the web? Are you skilled at typing? Can you find your way around internet sites, and follow directions and perform the operations needed to accomplish tasks like paying bills online? If unsure how to respond, take this detailed test developed by Florida Gulf Coast University and see how you do: http://www.fgcu.edu/support/techskills.html
5. Your attitude The former requirements are relatively easy to meet. Computers and fast internet access can be had, and the skills necessary for work online can be developed with time and dedication. But the task of successfully doing coursework online requires a particular attitude and approach to learning.
6. How you feel about online learning Are you happy to take a course online, as happy or happier as you would be taking a face to face course? Are you looking forward to it, or do you dread it?
7. How you work and learn Are you a self-motivated worker, student, person? Do you set tasks for yourself, or do you wait for others to tell you what to do? Can you work independently, or do you need help and direction often? Can you usually figure out things for yourself, or at least make a good effort before you give up and ask for guidance? Do you manage your time wisely? Are you always falling behind or putting things off? This would be a problem to overcome for online learning. Please respond to these questions with a short essay.
8. How You Learn Are you a visual learner? Do images and “moving pictures” help you learn? If so, this would be an asset in an online course! Do you like to “think things out,” really understand them rather than “regurgitate” information “deposited” or “decanted” into you? If so, this too is a great asset for online learning.
9. Your work ethic Can you devote a good number of hours per week to the work required by an online course, especially if you have to improve your computer skills? Are you an organized worker with a systematic approach? Are you a methodical person? Describe yourself and your situation in regards to the above.
10. Are you a “critical” thinker? What does “critical” mean? It comes from the Greek word “crisis,” which means “judgment.” A critical thinker or learner examines carefully, thinks things out, weighs evidence and the strength or weakness of arguments given, thinks of other possible approaches, outcomes and solutions. His or her “gears” are always turning, ideally. A critical thinker forms her or his own opinions rather than take most things for granted. Assumptions are understood as just that, guesses which are a “Plan B” for real knowledge or evidence. If you identify with this, or want to aspire to it, you are on your way to success in an online course!
11. A Taste of Online Learning One of the possibilities with online courses is to see and hear the professor, either live or videotaped, teaching and using audio-visual aids. For a two-minute sample of Professor Emilio G. Chávez’s Bible lessons, click on http://bible-explainer.com/greekservant.wmv Or right click on the above and choose Open hyperlink
