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Is Distance Learning
for Me?
Distance
Learning has been defined as learning that occurs when the
instructor and the students are separated by time or place. It can
be delivered using a variety of methods or technologies, and it
includes web-based courses, telecourses, or courses taught in an
interactive video classroom, or a combination of these methods. How
well would distance learning courses fit your circumstances and
lifestyle? Select one answer for each question and calculate your
score as directed.
1. My need to take this
course now is:
a. High: I need it
immediately for degree, job, or other important reason.
b. Moderate: I could
take it on campus later or substitute another course.
c. Low: It is of
personal interest that I could postpone.
2. Feeling that I am part
of a class (with classmates) is:
a. Not particularly
necessary to me.
b. Somewhat important
to me.
c. Very important to
me.
3. I consider myself as
someone who:
a. Often gets things
done ahead of time.
b. Needs reminding to
get things done on time.
c. Put things off until
the last minute.
4. Classroom discussion is:
a. Rarely helpful to
me.
b. Sometimes helpful to
me.
c. Almost always
helpful to me.
5. When an instructor hands
out directions for an assignment, I prefer:
a. Figuring out the
instructions myself.
b. Trying to follow the
directions on my own, then asking for help as needed.
c. Having the
instructions explained to me.
6. I need faculty comments
on my assignments:
a. Within a few weeks,
so I can review what I did.
b. Within a few days,
or I forget what I did.
c. Right away, or I get
very frustrated.
7. Considering my work and
personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on distance
education courses is:
a. More than enough for
a campus class or a distance education course.
b. The same as for a
class on campus.
c. Less than for a
class on campus.
8. When I am asked to use
videocassette players, computers, voice mail, or other technologies
new to me:
a. I look forward to
learning new skills.
b. I feel apprehensive,
but try it anyway.
c. I put it off and try
to avoid it.
9. As a reader, I consider
myself as:
a. Good: I usually
understand the text without help.
b. Average: I
sometimes need help to understand the text.
c. Slower than average.
10. If I have to go to the
campus to take exams or complete work:
a. I can go to campus
anytime.
b. I may miss some lab
assignments or exam deadlines if campus labs are not open
evenings and weekends.
c. I will have
difficulty going to the campus, even in the evenings and on
weekends.
How to Score:
Add 3 points for each "a"
that you indicated, 2 for each "b", and 1 for each "c".
If you scored 20 or over,
an Distance Learning course is a real possibility for you.
If you scored between 11 and
20, Distance Learning courses may work for you. But you may need to
make a few adjustments in your schedule and study habits to succeed.
If you scored 10 or less,
Distance Learning courses may not be the best alternative for you at
this point.
Explanations:
The ten questions in the
questionnaire reflect some of the facts about taking distance
learning courses.
- Distance Learning
students sometimes can end up neglecting courses because of
personal or professional circumstances, unless they have
compelling reasons for taking the course.
- Some students prefer
the independence of distance learning courses; others find it
uncomfortable.
- Distance Learning
courses give students greater freedom of scheduling, but they
can require more self-discipline than on-campus courses.
- Some people learn best
by interacting face-to-face with other students and instructors,
but Distance Learning courses do not provide much opportunity
for this personal interaction. However, with electronic mail and
both real-time chats and electronic bulletin board systems,
communication may actually increase.
- Distance Learning
courses require you to work from written directions without
face-to-face instructions.
- Even with electronic
mail, it may take two weeks to get comments back by mail from
your instructor. Your instructor should make it clear when you
can expect to hear from him or her after you submit an
assignment.
- Distance Learning
courses require at least as much time as on-campus courses.
- Distance Learning
courses frequently use technology for communication and for
providing course content.
- Print materials in the
form of books and instructor-prepared printed materials are the
primary source of directions and information in some Distance
Learning courses, even though websites and videotapes are an
integral part of many distance learning courses.
- Some Distance Learning
courses require some on-campus work; orientation, exams, oral
reports, or labs. Student schedule flexibility is important.
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