Are Distance Learning Course for Me?
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Taking courses offered through distance learning can be a great option for students who might have difficulty attending classes on campus as well as for those who enjoy participating in alternative learning environments. However, being successful in most distance learning courses requires a level of self-discipline and dedication that some students might not anticipate. And, although technology is becoming more "user friendly," distance learning courses do require a minimum level of computer competency.
The following questions can help you determine if taking a distance learning course will work for you. Consider each statement carefully and answer each one with "Yes" or "No". When you are done, compare each of your answers with the answers and explanations that follow. Remember that these questions are designed to help YOU decide if distance learning is right for YOU. Honest consideration of each statement will be to your benefit.
Questions:
- I have reliable and convenient access to a computer and the Internet. Yes or No
- I am comfortable using a computer, sending e-mail, and browsing the Internet. Yes or No
- Attachment, floppy disk and hard drives are terms I have heard before and understand. Yes or No
- I am considering taking a distance learning course because I think it will be easier than a class offered on campus. Yes or No
- I am willing and able to access my course at least once, 5 to 6 days a week and dedicate 10-15 hours (on average) per week, for study and class participation. Yes or No
- I am comfortable expressing myself in writing and acquiring large amounts of information through reading. Yes or No
- I consider myself to reasonably self-motivated and self-disciplined. Yes or No
- When I don't understand something, I am comfortable asking for help from both my instructor and other students. Yes or No
- Taking a class on Campus is not an option for me because of my work schedule and/or other obligations or needs. Yes or No
- The class I am considering taking is one I need to take to meet a specific goal. Yes or No
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Answers with Explanations:
Questions 1-3
If you are considering an online course or a course with an online component, you should have answered "Yes" to questions 1-3. If you are not comfortable using a computer, you will probably be overwhelmed by the technology requirements of the course. Try taking a computer basics class before attempting a course that is dependent on using a computer. If you are comfortable using a computer but don't feel you have reliable and convenient access to a computer, you may find it difficult to fully participate in the course as well as keep up with course assignments.
Question 4
If you answered "Yes" to question 4, you might want to reconsider taking a distance learning course. Most students find that distance learning courses are as rigorous as on campus courses, if not more so.
Question 5
If you answered "No" to question 5, you might want to reconsider taking a distance learning course. Most courses require regular, active student participation. Generally, students find that they spend more time working on assignments and projects for distance learning courses than they thought they would. And, don't forget that you need to count "class" time as well as study time.
Question 6
If you answered "No" to question 6, you might want to reconsider taking a distance learning course. Most distance learning courses require students to do a generous amount of writing particularly in online discussions forums. This type of writing requires the ability to express your thoughts, ask questions, and make constructive comments. In addition, online courses require a generous amount of reading. The ability to extract and synthesize information from written materials is essential for success in most distance learning courses.
Question 7
If you answered "No" to question 7, you might want to reconsider taking a distance learning course. The independence of learning at a distance can be wonderful if you are able to keep yourself on track. However, if you tend to put off doing assignments, you could quickly get behind and would probably find it very difficult to catch up.
Question 8
If you answered "No" to question 8, you might want to reconsider taking a distance learning course. The very nature of the distance learning environment requires students to take a more active role in their learning, which means you have to ask questions when you don't understand something. Remember, the instructor can't "see" your puzzled look!
Question 9 and 10
If you answered "Yes" to these questions, you probably have a real need to take a course that offers more flexibility and is offered at a time that is more convenient for you. Having a compelling reason for taking a distance learning course can help you stay motivated and on track.
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Requirements
- Either:
- An Intel-based Pentium II 233 MHz PC; 64MB or more of RAM (128 MB recommended); Netscape 4.5 or higher, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 or higher; and Windows NT, 95, 98, ME, XP or 2000 operating system.
or
- A Macintosh compatible G3 233 MHz, with System 7.5 or higher (System 8.5 recommended); 64MB or more of RAM (128 MB recommended); and Netscape 4.06 or higher, or Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher.
- Minimum screen resolution of 800x600 (1024x768 recommended); color monitor; 4 Mb video RAM (8 Mb recommended).
- 56K modem or direct connection to the Internet.
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Downloads
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Quicktime Player: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/index.html
Flash and Shockwave Players: http://www.macromedia.com/downloads/
Acrobat:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html
Real Player: http://www.real.com/realone/index.html?lang=en&loc=us
Windows Media Player: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/players.asp
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