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Successful Distance Learning Skill Survey
How well would distance-learning courses fit your
circumstances and lifestyle? Circle an answer for each
question and score as directed below. 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 because no one will see this but
you!
(This questionnaire is adapted from "Are Telecourses for
Me?" from PBS-Adult Learning Service, The Agenda, Spring
1994.)
1. My need to take this course
now is:
a. High - I need it immediately for a specific goal.
b. Moderate - I could take it on campus later or substitute
another course.
c. Low - It could be postponed.
2. Feeling that I am part of a
class is:
a. Not particularly necessary to me.
b. Somewhat important to me.
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 or doesn't complete
them.
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 instructions 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 distance-learning course is:
a. More than enough for an on-campus course.
b. The same as for a class held on campus.
c. Less than for a class held on campus.
8. 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 priorities to
allow for regular attendance on campus.
c. Easy for me.
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. When I need help
understanding the subject:
a. I am comfortable approaching an instructor to ask for
clarification.
b. I am uncomfortable approaching an instructor, but do it
anyway.
c. I never approach an instructor to admit I don't
understand something.
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Scoring
Add 3 points for each "a" that you circled, 2 for
each "b," and 1 for each "c." If you scored 20 or
more, a distance-learning course is 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 currently may not be
the best alternative for you; talk to your
counselor.
Explanations
- 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.
- Some students prefer the
independence of Distance Learning; others find
the independence uncomfortable and miss being
part of the classroom experience.
- Distance-learning courses
give students greater freedom of scheduling, but
they can require more self-discipline than
on-campus classes.
- 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.
- Distance Learning requires
you to work from written directions.
- It may take as long as two
to three weeks to get comments back from your
instructor in distance-learning classes.
- Distance Learning requires
at least as much time as on-campus courses.
Students surveyed say that distance-learning
courses are as hard or harder than on-campus
courses.
- 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.
- Print materials are the
primary source of directions and information in
distance-learning courses.
- Students who do well in
distance-learning courses are usually
comfortable contacting the instructor as soon as
they need help with the course.
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