Cape Fear Community College

 

Self-Test 1: Are You Ready for Distance Learning?

 

Is Distance Learning right for you? If you are uncertain about taking a distance learning class, answer the questions below and then select the "Score Test" button at the bottom of the page to tally your score.

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's a personal interest that could be postponed.
2. Feeling that I am part of a class is:
a) Not particularly necessary to me.
b) Somewhat important to me.
c) Very important to me.
3. I would classify 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 professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on Distance Learning courses is:
a) More than enough for a campus class or Distance Learning 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 DVD's, computers, Internet applications, 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 would classify 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.
 


 

Self-Test 2: Distance Learning-Is It Right for Me?

If you can answer "yes" to each of the following statements, then distance learning is a real possibility for you:

  1. I have a strong background in the course!
  2. I am not taking this course because of convenience or class flexibility only. I know that I can learn in this setting; expect to devote up to nine (9) or more hours per week preparing for this course; and do not need for an instructor to give me immediate feedback, remind me of assignments, or give me extra credit work.
  3. I am not a procrastinator; I complete assignments on time.
  4. I am comfortable with using technology (know how to use a computer and the Internet, for example).
  5. I have strong reading, writing, organizational, time management, and critical thinking skills. My study habits are excellent!
  6. I am resourceful; I have read all the information on CFCC's distance learning website and will use my research skills to find the information or the contact person I need. For example, I know the proper procedure for withdrawing from a class and will avoid a grade of "NC."
  7. I am not one who needs a study guide for a test! If tested, I understand that I am responsible for all the reading assignments/video lessons and can take an exam in any format-essay, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, or matching.
  8. If I find that I need more study time for this course, I can adjust my schedule and sacrifice more personal time or reduce my work hours.


If you answer "yes" to just one of the following statements, then distance learning may n-o-t be "right" for you:
  1. I am weak in the subject; this is why I am taking the course at a distance!
  2. I am taking the course because it fits my schedule perfectly. (I registered during late registration!) How hard could a TV or an Internet course be? I am the most focused person on the planet: I have watched the soap operas and played games on my computer for hours at a time!
  3. I fit the profile of an ideal distance learning student: I believe the requirement said that you had to be a procrastinator, and my philosophy is "put off for tomorrow that which does not have to be done today." Yes, I believe I will do quite well in one of these courses!
  4. I don't like VCRs or a computer. Clicking, saving, attaching, and sending me all over the World Wide Web are enough to cause cyber dizziness. I don't know how to cut, paste, or send email, and don't like chat rooms. I don't think that it is proper to chat with a lot of strangers on a computer. What in the world is a drop box?
  5. I don't like to read a lot! I get migraine headaches in a minute!
  6. The brochure said that a distance learning student must be an "active learner." Well, I don't know what that means; but I have never been one to sleep in class. I like for my teachers to tell me everything I need to know and to write on the board.
  7. I have never been good at taking tests; they usually "take" me. And, I don't have much time for studying. I am working 40 hours a week, taking three courses, and trying to transfer to UNCW before my financial aid runs out. I already have to repeat four courses. I don't understand how this school could have given me "NCs" when I stopped going to class after the fifth week. I thought that an "NC" meant "not coming back"!
  8. If I find that this course requires more study time, I won't be able to eat or sleep! I have no life now! I hope that my instructor gives extra credit assignments! I did well on those in high school!

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