Salem State College
352 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
978-542-6000

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Online Learning Readiness Self-Assessment

Salem State College distance learning courses promise the same academic rigor and personal attention as traditional classroom instruction. Students interact on a regular basis online with their classmates and Salem State College faculty. Class time is replaced with individual assignments, group projects and discussions. In order to be a successful distance learning student, you must be motivated, well organized, and comfortable with basic computer technologies. You also need a computer meeting the minimum standards for Salem State Online. The self-assessment will help you to decide if you are ready for distance learning.

1) I have the time necessary to take an online course.
	Yes- I can logon at least every other day, read articles assigned by the due date, participate thoughtfully in discussions and complete individual assignments.
	Maybe- I’ll be away for a week in the middle of the class, but I might have access to a computer.
	No- I have three jobs and can’t control which shifts I am working.
2) I believe I am responsible for my own education – what I learn or do not learn is ultimately my responsibility.
	Yes- I prepare for class and volunteer to answer questions. I do more than the minimum, because I really want to learn and not just get a good grade.
	Sometimes- I do the required readings and answer questions when asked.
	No- I believe it is the teacher’s responsibility to present the information in a way that is easy to understand, with as little work for me as possible.
3) I need to take my classes online.
	Yes- I work full time and/or live a great distance from campus. Online learning provides the flexibility I need.
	Maybe- It would be difficult to take classes Saturdays or regularly in the evening.
	No- I’m just curious to see what it is like.
4) I’m comfortable volunteering my opinion and asking questions when I need clarification.
	Yes- I e-mail my instructors, participate regularly in class discussions and ask for help before the due date.
	Sometimes- I participate in class discussions and get help from friends, but am reluctant to contact the instructor.
	No- I rarely participate unless called upon, I only contact the instructor after missing deadlines.
5) I am motivated to meet my deadlines.
	Yes- I plan ahead and make sure I understand the assignment right away. I don’t give up if I can’t figure it out right immediately.
	Sometimes- I get my work in on time, but put things off to the last minute.
	No- I am a procrastinator and I need to be reminded and guided to meet my deadlines.
6) I am well prepared for online learning.
	Yes- I have a specific place where I will be able to study and work on my course assignments that’s relatively free from interruptions. I know my computer meets all requirements.
	Maybe- My computer meets all the requirements, but I don’t have consistent access to it or a designated place to study.
	No- I don’t have a computer and have not figured out where and when I can study.
7) I have strong organizational skills and work well independently.
	Yes- I know how to break large tasks into smaller parts. I take good notes, prepare and study for exams, write well, use good study habits, etc.
	Maybe- I have trouble organizing research and projects, but have good study habits and write well.
	No- I need friends to help me organize my work and I usually form study groups. Otherwise I won’t get anything done.
8) I am a good reader.
	Yes- I can read and understand textbooks, journals, websites, etc. in the subject of the course I would like to take.
	Sometimes- I can understand most textbooks, journals and articles written for college students.
	No- I wait for the instructor to tell me what the textbook and class reading mean.
9) I'm comfortable working on the computer and acquiring information through the Internet.
	Yes- I know where my downloads go and can install plug-ins like Flash Player and Real Media Player. I use e-mail regularly and know how to access and send attachments.
	Maybe- I use e-mail regularly and know how to search using Google.
	No- I rarely use e-mail and get stuck when things don’t work exactly like I am used to.
10) I can communicate effectively through email, discussion boards, and instant messaging.
	Yes- I use e-mail, discussion boards and instant messaging to work on projects and make plans. I stay in touch with my friends using instant messaging and e-mail.
	Maybe- I use e-mail to stay in touch with family and friends, but have never used instant messaging or tried online discussions.
	No- I don’t instant message and only use e-mail for brief informative messages.
11) I understand that online courses require a lot of work.
	Yes- I expect to spend at least 2 – 3 hours per credit hour on my course, every week (6-9 hours for 3 credits, 8 – 12 hours for 4 credits, etc.). I understand that I must log onto the course frequently and interact with my classmates and instructor in discussions and possibly group projects.
	Maybe- I expected a lot of reading and interaction with the instructor, but not with classmates.
	No- I thought it would just be PowerPoints and multiple choice quizzes.
12) The online environment will benefit my learning style.
	Yes- I like tables, charts, graphics and text. I like to have time to reflect on what others have said and compose my answer.
	Maybe- I learn well in a face-to-face class, but also understand class readings without difficulty.
	No- I have to hear the explanation to understand it. I don’t like writing and have trouble interpreting text.

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