Am I Ready to Take Online Courses?

Take Our Quick Assessment

Online courses are different than face-to-face courses. There are certain skills that an online student should have (or develop) in order to be successful in her or his online learning. Before enrolling in an online course, it is critical for you to know what is expected from you and what is needed to be a successful online learner.

Instructions:

Please carefully read every statement in each row and select the button next to the statement that best describes you. Once you are done, read the interpretation of your results at the bottom of the questionnaire.

A	(select A)	Points	(select B)	B
I am comfortable or proficient at using a computer. I can: Surf the internet Create/save/locate/ files Use Microsoft Office (Word, PPT, Excel) Use search engines (like Google) Create email accounts and send emails Install software		4		I am not comfortable or proficient at using a computer. In an online course it is necessary to get comfortable using a computer. If you need help with computer skills, free tutoring is avaliable.
I have access to reliable and fairly fast internet.		2		I do not have access to reliable internet. Internet is essential for an online course. If you do not have access at home, we have open computer labs, computers in the library, and wifi when you are on campus.
I have a reliable computer.		2		I do not have a computer at all. —or— I have an old computer that keeps crashing. If you do not have access to a computer at home, we have open computer labs, computers in the library, and a laptop loaner program through the library. In addition, you may check with financial aid to see if you are eligible to get a device through them.
I have access to a webcam and a microphone, or these are built in to my computer.		1		I do not own a webcam or microphone, and these are not built in to my computer. For most online classes a microphone and webcam will be essential to the coursework.
I am pretty good at using my official VCCS email account. I check it regularly.		1		I do not use or check my VCCS email account. VCCS faculty are only allowed to communicate through VCCS email. You will need to utilize this email.
I am comfortable and proficient at using a Learning Management System (such as Canvas). I know how to: Log in, access, and navigate my courses Take quizzes, submit assignments, and post on discussion forums Look at my grades Download and upload files		3		I have little or no experience using Canvas or any other learning management system. BRCC uses Canvas. If you have not used Canvas or are unfamiliar with learning management systems, we have tutoring and Canvas support to help our students.
I am self-motivated and self-disciplined. I am good at setting goals and deadlines for myself. I usually set a schedule and keep to it. I plan and manage my time accordingly to keep myself on track and on time.		4		I have difficulty setting goals and meeting deadlines. Setting goals and meeting deadlines can be hard but essential in an online environment. If you need help, consider making an appointment with student success.
I am an independent learner. I am comfortable learning on my own through reading the assigned textbooks (or any other texts), watching and listening to lectures, participating in discussions, and collaborating with my classmates. I take responsibility for my learning process.		4		I usually need direct explanation from my instructor and face-to-face interaction with my classmates to fully grasp the content.
I am able to learn from: Readings Live or recorded lectures Videos Podcasts and audio files Discussions Group/collaborative projects		2		I prefer learning from face-to-face lectures.
I am usually able to stay on task and avoid distractions while studying and working on my assignments/projects.		3		I get distracted easily and need more time to complete a task.
I am willing and able to commit at least 7 to 10 hours per week, per course.		3		It may be difficult for me to devote 7 to 10 hours per week, per course.
I have no problem contacting my instructor and classmates via email or any other online tool if I have questions.		2		I prefer meeting with my instructor and classmates face-to-face to ask questions.
I am able to clearly communicate through writing.		3		I have difficulty using formal English, correct grammar, and accurate spelling. We have discipline specific tutors as well as writing assistance to support students.
When faced with difficulties or challenges, I do not give up or quit. I use my problem-solving skills to find a solution.		3		I often have trouble finding a solution when I am faced with a difficulty or challenge.
I can learn not only on my own, but in a group, as well.		1		I have difficulty learning on my own and in groups.
I am ready for online learning! ⇐		Total		⇒ I may need a little more preparation.

Student Online Readiness Self-Assessment by Beth Styers and Alissa Cruz is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
This material is based on original content by Glenn Pillsbury at CSU Stanislaus, which was published freely under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Content specific to Blue Ridge Community College was altered and included.

Interpreting the Results

• Statements that are weighted 3 and 4 points represent the most important skills and abilities needed to effectively and successfully take an online course.  Selecting several statements from column A (on the left) for these items is a positive indication that you are prepared for success in online learning.
• Statements weighted 1 point and 2 points also address many important skills; that contribute to your academic success in online learning.  These skills and capabilities can be easily developed during your matriculation in an online course.

A total score of 19 or higher in column B (on the right) is an indication that you may need to review additional resources and tutorials to prepare yourself for online learning.