Are you a candidate for online learning?
Go through the checklist below and see!

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND WITH KNOWLEDGE

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. You can click on the links below to assess any one of the categories or you may scroll down and work your way through the whole assessment.

| your learning style | your computer skills | 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.    
I am a very self-directed learner.    
I tend to get things done ahead of time rather than waiting to the last minute.    
I can figure out written instructions very well on my own.    
I prefer immediate feedback on assignments and get frustrated when I have to wait.    
I like learning about new technologies; they don't intimidate me.    
I am a very comfortable and skilled reader.    
I like engaging in written communication.    
Additional Personal Concerns
I can find at least 20 to 30 hours a week to devote to an online Medical Transcription Certificate Program.    
Coming to campus for class is very difficult because of current time commitments, proximity of classes, or lack of transportation.    
My need for taking this online course is very high. In other words,
if I don't take it now I will not be able to take it later.
   
  • 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).
       
    I can perform the following computer tasks:
    Turn my computer on, off, and reboot.    
    Comfortably use a mouse.    
    Create folders on the desktop and organize files.    
    Find lost files on my hard drive.    
    Create a new word processing document.    
    Open, spell check and save a word processing document.    
    Save files to the desktop.    
    I can perform or am aware of the following Internet skills:
    Use a URL (Universal Resource Locator) or web address.    
    Use the Refresher Reload button on my browser    
    Create and use bookmarks or favorites.    
    Search the web using a search engine.    
    Download and install programs or plugins.    
    Send and receive e-mail.    
    Attach a file to an outgoing e-mail message.    
    I currently have an email address.    
    I can download documents, images or other files from the Internet.    
    I can participate in an online chat, listserv or bulletin board discussion.    
  • 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 Internet Explorer 5.0 or later or Netscape 4.x or later on my computer.    
    I have a current word processing program on my computer (MS Word recommended).    
    My Internet access is via a 56K modem or better.    
    I have at least the following system:
    If I do not have the minimum required computer from above I am willing to get one or get access to one.    
  • 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.
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