Are You Ready to Learn Online?

Please answer the following questions as accurately as you can. You will receive your score and immediate feedback after submitting the quiz:

Question 1

My motivation for taking online classes is...

high—my work schedule/life circumstances prevent me from taking campus classes.

moderate—I would like to see if this is a possible alternative to the campus classes I can now take.

low—I am not yet sure how taking online classes will benefit me.

Question 2

I am someone who...

generally always reads directions carefully.

skims directions to get the general idea.

does not generally read directions.

Question 3

I would rate my reading ability as...

high—reading ability is one of my strengths.

average—I usually understand what I read.

lower than average—reading is not one of my strengths.

Question 4

Choose the statement below that best fits you:

I express myself best in writing.

I express myself fairly well in writing.

It is difficult for me to express myself in writing.

Question 5

I best understand information when it is presented in...

a visual format (written, pictures, diagrams, etc.).

both visual and an auditory format (lecture, tapes, etc.).

an auditory format.

Question 6

I have...

highly developed computer skills.

moderately developed computer skills.

lower than average computer skills.

Question 7

The amount of time I expect to spend on an online course is...

more than I would on a campus class.

the same I would on a campus class.

less than I would on a campus class.

Question 8

I am someone who...

can manage my time effectively and always meets deadlines without having to be reminded.

has some difficulty managing my time effectively, but often meets deadlines without having to be reminded.

does not manage my time very effectively and often has difficulty meeting deadlines without being reminded.

Question 9

Face to face social interaction with both my instructors and classmates is...

not important to me in my educational experience.

an important part of my educational experience, but not essential.

an essential part of my educational experience.

Question 10

Considering my work schedule/life circumstances, the amount of time I have to work on an online course is...

7-9 hours per week.

4-6 hours per week.

1-3 hours per week.

What do your scores mean?

Question 1:

10 pts. Students who feel online is their only option for an education tend to be highly motivated online students.

8 pts. Students who have other options for an education tend not to be highly motivated online students.

6 pts. You will need to clarify your motivation for taking online classes in order to be successful.

Question 2:

10 pts. It is essential for online students to read directions very carefully.

8 pts. Not reading directions carefully can result in a misunderstanding of material.

6 pts. It is not possible to be successful in an online class without carefully reading directions.

Question 3:

10 pts. Since most content in an online class is learned through reading, strong reading skills are essential.

8 pts. Since most content in an online class is learned through reading, you may need to improve your reading skills to be successful.

6 pts. Since most content in an online class is learned through reading, low reading skills will greatly reduce your chances of being successful in an online class.

Question 4:

10 pts. Since all communication from student to instructor in an online class is written, strong writing skills are essential to be successful.

8 pts. Since all communication from the student to instructor in an online class is written, you may need to improve your writing skills to be successful in taking online classes.

6 pts. Since all communication from the student to instructor in an online class is written, you will not be successful in taking online classes if your have difficulty expressing yourself in writing.

Question 5:

10 pts. Since most content in an online class is presented in a visual format, you are more likely to be successful if you learn in this way.

8 pts. Since most content in an online class is presented in a visual format, you may need to consider whether it is possible for you to learn in this way.

6 pts. Since most content in an online class is presented in a visual format, you are not likely to be successful if it is difficult for you to learn in this way.

Question 6:

10 pts. Highly developed computer skills are important when taking an online class.

8 pts. Highly developed computer skills are important when taking an online class. You may need to work on your computer skills to be successful.

6 pts. Highly developed computer skills are important when taking an online class. You will not be successful if you do not improve your computer skills.

Question 7:

10 pts. Most students have found that online classes are at least as time consuming as campus classes and sometimes more time consuming. Allowing enough time for your online classes is essential.

8 pts. Most students have found that online classes are at least as time consuming as campus classes and sometimes more time consuming. It may be necessary for you to increase the amount of time you plan to spend on taking online classes.

6 pts. Most students have found that online classes are at least as time consuming as campus classes and sometimes more time consuming. You will not be successful if you do not commit more time to taking online classes.

Question 8:

10 pts. Strong time-management and self-discipline skills are essential when taking an online class.

8 pts. Strong time-management and self-discipline skills are essential when taking an online class. You may need to improve these skills in order to be successful in taking online classes.

6 pts. Strong time-management and self-discipline skills are essential when taking an online class. You will not be successful in taking online classes if you lack these skills.

Question 9:

10 pts. Since face to face contact is not part of our online classes, you will be more successful if this contact is not important to your educational experience.

8 pts. Since face to face contact is not part of our online classes, you will need to consider how important this contact is in your educational experience.

6 pts. Since face to face contact is not part of our online classes, you will have difficulty in online classes if this contact is essential to your educational experience.

Question 10:

10 pts. The weekly hour requirement for an online class is the same as an onsite class. Expect to spend 7-9 hours a week for a three unit online class.

8 pts. The weekly hour requirement for an online class is the same as an onsite class. Expect to spend 7-9 hours a week for a three unit online class. If you plan to take a three unit class, you will need to devote more time to the class.

6 pts. The weekly hour requirement for an online class is the same as an onsite class. Expect to spend 7-9 hours a week for a three unit online class. You do not have enough time available to take a three unit online class.

Total Score:

If your score is 90-100: Online classes are a good option for you. You have many characteristics of the successful online student

If your score is 75-90: Online classes may work for you. Consult your online counselor to further discuss whether online education is an option for you and consider enrolling in Cerro Coso Community College's "How to Be a Successful Online Student."

If your score is below 75: Online classes may not the best option for you at this time. We would highly recommend taking Cerro Coso Community College's "How to Be a Successful Online Student" class. Please contact the online counselor.

You might consider printing this page and taking it with you to your next academic advising session.

Go to the Technical Skills Quiz