Web Questionnaire

College of San Mateo

Is On-Line Learning for You?

Taking an online course is a convenient way to learn new skills, earn college credit toward an Associate Degree or for transfer purposes. Unfortunately, not everyone is prepared for the responsibilities that come with the convenience of online courses. We hope this information page will acquaint you with how the program works.

Online courses work best for the self-motivated student. Since class meetings are few, it is easy to fall behind. Therefore, we suggest that you develop a routine--study the online lesson, read the text, and do your homework at a set time each week. Consider joining an online study group where members of your class share ideas and keep each other up to date.

Is an online course for you? The following quiz will help determine whether an online course will fit your circumstances and life-style. Select one answer per question.

1. My need to take this course now is:
High - I need it immediately for degree, job or other important reason.
Moderate - I could take it on campus later or substitute another course.
Low - It's a personal interest that could be postponed.

2. Feeling that I am part of a class is:
Not particularly necessary to me.
Somewhat important to me.
Very important to me.

3. 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.

4. Classroom discussion is:
Rarely helpful to me.
Sometimes helpful to me.
Almost always helpful to me.

5. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer:
Figuring out the instructions myself.
Trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed.
Having the instructions explained to me.

6. I need faculty comments on my assignments:
Within a few weeks, so I can review what I did.
Within a few days, or I forget what I did.
Right away, or I get very frustrated.

7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on an online course is:
More than enough for an on-campus class.
The same as for a class on campus.
Less than for a class on campus.

8. When I am asked to use email, internet, or other technologies new to me:
I look forward to learning new skills.
I feel apprehensive, but try anyway.
I put it off or try to avoid it.

9. As a reader, I would classify myself as:
Good - I usually understand the text without help.
Average - I sometimes need help to understand the text.
Slower than average.

10. If I have to go to campus to take exams or complete work:
I can go to campus anytime.
I might miss some lab assignments or exam deadlines if campus labs are not open evenings and weekends.
I will have difficulty getting to the campus, even in the evenings and on weekends.

Scoring

20 or over - an online course is a real possibility for you.
11 to 19 - you may need to make a few adjustments in your schedule and study habits to succeed.
10 or less - online courses may not currently be the best alternative for you; talk to your counselor.

Explanations:

Distance students sometimes can end up neglecting their courses because of personal or professional circumstances, unless they have compelling reasons for taking the course.
Some students prefer the independence of online courses; others find it uncomfortable.
Online courses give students greater freedom of scheduling, but they can require more self-discipline than on-campus classes.
Some people learn best by interacting with other students and instructors, but online courses often do not provide much opportunity for this type of interaction.
Online courses require you to work from written directions without face to face instruction.
It may take as long as two weeks to get comments back by mail or email from your instructor.
Online courses require at least as much time as on-campus courses.
Online courses frequently use technology for teaching and telecommunications.
Printed materials are the primary source of directions and information in online courses.
All distance courses require some on-campus work: introductory and review sessions, exams, and labs. Student schedule flexibility is important.