Are Open Entry or Online Courses Right for You?

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Are Open Entry or Online Courses Right for You?

How well would Open Entry or Online Courses fit your circumstances and lifestyle?

Take a Self Evaluation Quiz to see if this learning style is right for you!
Click on an answer below for each question.
When you're ready, click on the "Check It Out!" button.
Students who tend to be most successful are those individuals who are self-directed and self-motivated in their learning and study habits.

Answer honestly -- no one will see this but you!

Self Evaluation Quiz

	1. My need to take this course now:
	High - I need it immediately.
	Moderate - I could take it later on campus or substitute another course.
	Low - It could be postponed.
	2. Feeling that I am part of a class:
	Not particularly necessary to me.
	Somewhat important to me.
	Very important to me.
	3. I would classify myself as someone who:
	Often gets things done ahead of time.
	Needs reminding to get things done on time.
	Puts things off until the last minute or doesn't complete them.
	4. Classroom discussion is:
	Rarely helpful to me.
	Sometimes helpful to me.
	Almost always helpful to me.
	5. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer:
	Figuring out the instructions myself.
	Trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed.
	Having the instructions explained to me.
	6. I need faculty comments on my assignments:
	Within a few weeks, so I can review what I did.
	Within a few days, or I forget what I did.
	Right away, or I get very frustrated.
	7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on a distance-learning course is:
	More than enough time for an on-campus course.
	The same as for a class held on campus.
	Less than for a class held on campus.
	8. Coming to campus on a regular schedule is:
	Extremely difficult for me - I have commitments (work, family, or personal) during times when classes are offered.

	A little difficult, but I can rearrange my priorities to allow for regular attendance on campus.
	Easy for me.
	9. As a reader, I would classify myself as:
	Good - I usually understand the text without help.
	Average - I sometimes need help to understand the text.
	Slower than average.
	10. When I need help understanding the subject:
	I am comfortable approaching an instructor to ask for clarification.
	I am uncomfortable approaching an instructor, but do it anyway.
	I never approach an instructor to admit I don't understand something.

Explanations about the Questions
"1. My need to take this course now is:"	Back to Question 1
Distance-learning students sometimes neglect their courses because of personal or professional circumstances. having a compelling reason for taking the course helps motivate the student to stick with the course.
"2. Feeling that I am part of a class:"	Back to Question 2
Some students prefer the independence of Distance Learning; others find the independence uncomfortable and miss being part of the classroom experience.
"3. I would classify myself as someone who:"	Back to Question 3
Distance-learning courses give students greater freedom of scheduling, but they can require more self-discipline than on-campus classes.
"4. Classroom discussion is:"	Back to Question 4
Some people learn best by interacting with other students and instructors. Others learn better by listening, reading, and reviewing on their own. Distance-learning courses provide less opportunity for group interaction than most on-campus courses.
" 5. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer:"	Back to Question 5
Distance Learning requires you to work from written directions.
"6. I need faculty comments on my assignments:"	Back to Question 6
It may take as long as two to three weeks to get comments back from your instructor in distance-learning classes.
"7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on a distance-learning course is:"	Back to Question 7
Distance Learning requires at least as much time as on-campus course. Students surveyed say that distance-learning courses are as hard or harder than on campus courses.
" 8. Coming to campus on a regular schedule is:"	Back to Question 8
Most people who are successful with distance Learning find it difficult to come to campus on a regular basis because of their work, family, or personal schedules.
"9. As a reader, I would classify myself as:"	Back to Question 9
Print materials (including text written on web pages) are the primary source of directions and information in distance-learning courses.
" 10. When I need help understanding the subject: "	Back to Question 10
Students who do well in distance-learning courses are usually comfortable contacting the instructor as soon as they need help with the course.

(This questionnaire is adapted from "Are Telecourses for Me?"
PBS Adult Learning Service, The Agenda, Spring 1994.)