Self Evaluation for Potential Online Students

 Will online learning fit your circumstances, lifestyle and educational needs? Here are some basic questions to ask yourself when deciding if an online program is right for you.

1. When I have an important job to do, I usually
Have it completed ahead of time
Need reminders to get it done on time
Put it off until the last minute

2. When it comes to expressing myself in writing
I am very comfortable and confident, and I enjoy writing
I am comfortable enough to express myself clearly in writing
Writing is a chore for me and requires a lot of effort

3. When an instructor gives an assignment, I usually prefer to
Figure it out for myself
Try to follow instructions on my own, and ask for help when I need it
Have the instructions explained to me

4. The following best describes my experience accessing the Internet
I have been online frequently and often use the Web and e-mail.
I occasionally use the Web and am able to access it without complications
I have not used the Web or e-mail

5. As a reader, I would classify myself as
Good—I usually understand the text without help.
Average—I sometimes need help to understand the text.
Reading is not a strength for me.

6. Select the statement that best applies:
I am good at problem-solving technical difficulties on the computer
I am okay at problem-solving technical difficulties on the computer
I am not good at problem-solving technical difficulties on the computer

7. If instructed to download a software program I would
feel confident, I have downloaded software many times before and require no instruction
feel a little uncertain, I have downloaded software a couple of time before and could do it with adequate instruction
feel lost, I have never downloaded software and would have no idea where to begin

8. I am someone who
generally always reads directions carefully
skims directions to get the general idea
does not generally read directions

9. Considering my lifestyle (family, work, social, etc) the amount of time I expect to devote to an online course is
7–9 hours per week
4–6 hours per week
1–3 hours per week

10. I am comfortable using a Web browser, saving files in various formats, and sending or opening e-mail attachments
Very true
Somewhat true
Not really true


Frost School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Speare Administration Building 116. MSC 10. (603) 535-2822. frost_school@plymouth.edu

Plymouth State University. 17 High Street. Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264-1595. Main Switchboard: (603) 535-5000.
A member of the University System of New Hampshire.© 2006-2008. All rights Reserved.
This page was last updated: 9/15/2008