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Title: Online Courses - Are they right for you?
readiness survey button system requirements button study tips button


Online courses are not right for everyone. While there are many benefits to online learning, the skills and motivation required to succeed in the online environment can be a challenge. To see if you'd be an ideal student candidate for an online course at St. Mary's, complete the survey below.

Directions: Take this self-test to help you decide if online courses at St. Mary's are a good option for you. Click the radio button next to your answer for each of the 10 questions. Then click the submit button at the bottom of the page. With your score in mind, move your mouse over the score meter at the bottom of the page for more feedback on whether online learning is right for you.
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1. Feeling that I am part of a face-to-face class is:

not particularly necessary to me
 somewhat important to me
 very important to me

2. 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

3. Classroom discussions are:

rarely helpful to me
 sometimes helpful to me
 almost always helpful to me

4. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment , I prefer to:

figure out the instructions on my own
 try to follow directions on my own, then ask for help as needed
 have the instructions explained orally

5. I need instructor comments on my assignments:

within a few weeks, because I can review what I did
 within a few days, or I forget what I did
 right away, or I get very frustrated

6. Considering my commitments and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to spend on a St. Mary's online course:

is more than enough for a face-to-face course or an online course
 is the same as for taking a face-to-face class on campus
 is less than for taking a face-to-face class on campus

7. When I am asked to use technologies new to me, such as Web browsers, E-Mail, Blackboard, online discussion boards, online chatting, or multimedia players:

I look forward to learning new skills
 I feel apprehensive, but try anyway
 I put it off or try to avoid it

8. As a reader, I would classify myself as:

good - I usually understand the written material without help
 average - I sometimes need help to understand the written material
 lower than average - I usually need help to understand written material

9. As a writer, I would classify myself as:

good- I usually can express myself clearly through my writings
 average - I sometimes need help to clearly express myself through writings
 lower than average - I usually need help to clearly express myself through writings

10. When driving to an unknown location, are you most comfortable:

reading step-by-step directions and/or viewing a map
 listening to verbal step-by-step directions
 driving to the location with someone who knows how to get there

Your survey score:
Score 14 or below button Score 15-20 button Score 21-30 button
If you score 21-30, online courses may be a great option for you. If you score 15-20, may be a possibility for you, but you may need to make a few adjustments. If you score 14 or below, St. Mary’s online courses may not currently be the best alternative for you. spacer

Adapted from Northern Virginia Community College and Victoria College. Used with permission.

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