Is Distance Learning Right for Me?

Johnson County Community College is committed to bringing you a high quality educational experience that is convenient, flexible, and affordable. There is no question that people who previously would not have considered distance learning are finding that it adapts to their needs. They are surprised how convenient and flexible the degree programs are. Part time or full time. Take classes every semester or take a break when other demands require too much time. Study in the morning, over lunch, in the evening, late at night. It's entirely up to you.

But real courses require real work. The online classroom requires a new and different approach to studying and learning. Some students are surprised by what it takes to complete an online degree, but all the effort pays off in the end. Is distance learning for you?   We have a Online Credit Course Information Guide that provides some specifics on our online courses that we recommend reviewing prior to enrolling for any online course at JCCC.

Answer the following 15 questions to find out.

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

2. I think an online program is:
 More challenging than taking the same program in a classroom setting.
About the same as taking a regular classroom-based program.
Easier than a classroom-based program.

3. I think an online course means that I need to:
 Be actively engaged in online interaction via a Discussion Board and other communication tools.
Post messages on the Discussion Board and email to the instructor.
Just study by myself and submit assignments on time.

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

 5. Having face-to-face interaction is:
 Not particularly important to me.
Somewhat important to me.
Very important to me.

 6. As a reader, I would classify myself as:
 Very Good. I usually understand the text without help.
Good. I sometimes need help to understand the text.
Average. I usually ask for help to understand the text.

 7. As a writer, I would classify myself as:
 Very good. I enjoy writing and communicate very well in writing.
Good. I sometimes feel it is hard for me to express myself well in writing.
Average. I do not like writing and often feel it is hard for me to communicate in writing.

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

 9. My experience with communication at a distance:
 Includes most forms of asynchronous and synchronous communication tools.
Includes using email and newsgroups.
Is mainly via telephone.

10. 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.

11. 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 directions explained to me.

12. When engaged in a project, I enjoy seeking information by:
 Researching questions on my own.
Having someone help me find the information.
Asking someone for the answer.

13. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time available for me to work on an online course is:
 More than for a class on campus.
The same as for a class on campus.
Less than for a class on campus.

 14. When absorbed in a project:
 I stay late and finish, if possible.
I sometimes stay late.
I leave at quitting time.

15. The people in my life:
 Fully understand that they will have to make some adjustments to our time together.
Don’t know about my plans to take online courses.
Find it difficult to accept that I have to work on online courses.

TOTAL SCORE:

Click on your score: 15-20 | 21-33 | 34- 45

Form developed by Fort Hays State University