Is Distance Learning for Me?

You can take this self-assessment to see if you are ready to take an online course.

Computer
I have access to and know how to use a computer and a mouse.
I have access to an Internet connection.
I know how to use Help menus to look for answers to my questions.
I know the difference between closing, minimizing, hiding windows and closing out a program.
I know how to use the right-click menu functions on the mouse.
I know how to download and install programs or pulgins.
I know how to delete files.
I know how to empty the recycle bin.
I know where to go for help if I have problems.

Word Processing Skills
I know how to create a document with a word processor such as Microsoft Word or WordPerfect.
I know how to open and close documents.
I know how to use spell check to check my documents for accuracy.
I know how to copy and paste text.
I know how to use the undo/redo functions.
I know how to create new folders.
I know how to save documents as different file types such as rtf, html, text only, etc.
I know how to print documents.

Internet and Web
I know how to use a search engine like Google to do research.
I know how to open a web page with the URL address.
I know that I need to be aware of copyright issues when using information taken from the Internet/Web.
I know what plagiarism is.

Email
I know how to compose, send, receive, and forward email messages.
I know how to attach files to email messages.
I know how to open attachments/ images from email messages.

Blackboard
I have read the student user guide for MyMtech and Blackboard.
Student User Guide
My computer meets the minimum requirements for working with Blackboard and MyMtech.
(Student User Guide - above link - page 4)
I know how to log in and out of Blackboard.
I know how to read announcements and look up calendar events in Blackboard.
I know how to use the Discussion Board feature in Blackboard.
I know how to submit an assignment to my instructor in Blackboard.

Personal Characteristics Conducive to Online Learning
I am self-motivated.
I can meet deadlines.
I am comfortable asking for help if I need it.
I am comfortable communicating in writing.
I have enough time to dedicate to this class.
I have good reading comprehension skills.
I am self-disciplined enough to keep up with course readings and assignments.
I can participate in class regularly without constant prompting from my professor.

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If you can answer yes to most of these statements, then you are a good candidate for an online course. If you answered no to most of these statements then you might want to consider taking a basic computer course before tackling an online course.

ter meets the minimum