Your answers to the following questions will help you to decide:
-
Am I a self-starter, able to motivate myself to work?
-
Do I enjoy working and learning on my own?
-
Can I budget my time and set schedules for myself, to get work completed on time?
-
Do I have basic computer skills: word processing, Internet browsing, e-mail (including sending and receiving attachments)?
-
Do I know how to work my computer's operating system? Can I connect to my Internet Service Provider?
-
Am I comfortable installing or upgrading computer software?
-
Do I have the ability to learn new software without classroom instruction?
-
Can I communicate adequately in writing? Can I understand and follow instructions given in writing?
-
Am I comfortable participating in a class where I am not physically present and may not know the instructor or the other students?
If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, chances are you are a good candidate for success in an online course.
A few "no" answers to these questions may identify areas that need strengthened or addressed, but you may still decide that online learning is a good choice for you.
If you answered "no" to many of these questions, this may indicate that your chances for success may be greater in a traditional course setting at this time. As your skills and experience grow, you may decide to revisit the option of online learning in the future.
If after answering these questions you are still unsure whether an online course is your best choice, you may want to take the Self-Assessment for Online Learning survey to help you decide (you may register to use the system or log in as a guest). You may also wish to contact a counselor or advisor in the Enrollment Services [(217) 875-7211, ext. 267] to discuss other options.