Are You Ready for Online Learning?

The following questions are intended to guide you in your decision about whether an online course is a good match for you. If you are unsure, you may wish to take a web-enhanced course to determine if you are comfortable with online learning before taking a completely online course.

Are you ready as a learner? Assessing your learning style
Are you ready as a computer user?
Assessing your computer skills
Are you ready technologically?
Assessing your equipment

 

 

Are You Ready as a Learner?
Assessing Your Learning Style

Answer the following questions honestly to determine if online learning is a good match for your learning preferences. Respond YES or NO to each question.

I have excellent organizational skills. 
Yes No
I am a very-self directed learner. 
Yes No
I tend to get things done ahead of time rather than waiting to the last minute.
Yes No
I can figure out written instructions very well on my own.
Yes No
I like learning about new technologies; they don't intimidate me.
Yes No
I am a very comfortable and skilled reader.
Yes No
I like engaging in written communication.
Yes No

Additional Personal Concerns

I can find at least 10 to 15 hours a week to devote to each online course I take.
Yes No
Coming to campus for class is very difficult because of current time commitments or lack of transportation.
Yes No

  • If you answered YES to most of these questions, it is a good sign that you have the learner characteristics needed to succeed in an online course.
  • If you answered NO to most of these questions, its possible that taking a fully online course may not be your best option. You may wish to try online learning in a web-enhanced course to determine if a fully online course is the best choice to meet your educational needs.

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Are You Ready as a Computer User?
Assessing Your Computer Skills

Answer the following questions honestly to determine if online learning is a good match for your current level of computer skills. Respond YES or NO to each question.

I have frequent access to a computer and to the internet (both must be true).
Yes No

I can perform the following computer tasks:

Turn my computer on, off, and reboot
Yes No
Comfortably use a mouse
Yes No
Create folders on the desktop and organize files
Yes No
Find lost files on my hard drive
Yes No
Create a new word processing document
Yes No
Open, spell check and save a word processing document
Yes No
Save files to the desktop
Yes No

I can perform or am aware of the following Internet skills:

Use a URL (Universal Resource Locator) or web address
Yes No
Use the Refreshor Reload button on my browser
Yes No
Create and use bookmarks or favorites
Yes No
Search the web using a search engine
Yes No
Download and install programs or plugins
Yes No
Send and receive e-mail
Yes No
Attach a file to an outgoing e-mail message
Yes No

I have an AASU email address and know how to login to the account.
Yes No
I can download documents, images or other files from the Internet.
Yes No
I can participate in an online chat, listserve or bulletin board discussion.
Yes No

  • If you answered YES to most of these questions, it is a good sign that you have the computer skills needed to succeed in an online course.
  • If you answered NO to most of these questions, its possible that taking a fully online course may not be your best option. You may wish to try online learning in a web-enhanced course or taking an online course after developing the computer skills mentioned in the questions above.

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Are You Ready Technologically?
Assessing Your Equipment

Answer the following questions honestly to determine if you have adequate computer hardware and software to successfully take an online course. Respond YES or NO to each question.

I have a supported browser installed on my computer (list of supported browsers).
Yes No
I have a current word processing program on my computer (MS Word required).
Yes No
My Internet access is via a 56K modem or better.
Yes No

I have either of the following systems:

- PC: Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, or XP
-2 Gigahertz or greater
- 512 MB of RAM or more
- Sound Card & Speakers
- Jave Plug-in - JRE 1.4.2 / JRE 1.5
- 1024 x 768 monitor resolution

Yes No

- Mac: OSX 10.3.9/10.4.2
-2 Gigahertz or greater
- 512 MB of RAM or more
- Speakers
- Jave Plug-in - JRE 1.4.2 / JRE 1.5
- 1024 x 768 monitor resolution

Yes No
  • If you answered YES to all of these questions, you most likely have the technical requirements to take an online course. NOTE: Individual courses may also have technical requirements, check with the instructor prior to the first class meeting.
  • If you answered NO to any of these questions, you may lack the technical requirements to take an online course. However if you can answer YES to the following question, you might be ready to take an online course.

If I do not have adequate software and hardware, I am willing to obtain or locate it.
Yes No

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you plan to take an online course at AASU, you will have access to technology help with your course through the Helpdesk. The Helpdesk can be reached by phone at 912-344-2518 (local) or 1-866-533-6353 (toll free) or by email at helpdesk@armstrong.edu.