Are You Ready for an Online Course?
PART ONE: Technology Considerations
In order to participate in online courses at JCC through the SUNY Learning Network (SLN), you must have the appropriate technology tools and skills. This checklist will help you and your advisor determine if you have what you need to take a course online. SLN can help you find the technology answers. See the info at the bottom of this page.
I have access to…
| An IBM-compatible computer with: |
|
OR | |
| A Macintosh computer with: |
|
Note: Some course-specific technology or software may be required. Please check the requirements for each course that you have registered for. |
|
- I have a PPP/SLIP Internet connection to the World Wide Web. Don't
know for sure? Please ask your Internet Service Provider.
- I am using Netscape Navigator version 6.2 (or higher) or Microsoft
Internet Explorer version 5.5 (or higher) on my computer.
- If given a web site address, I can get to it from my Internet browser.
- I know (or can learn before the course starts) how to download files
from the Internet.
- I have a valid, working Internet e-mail account.
- I use a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word, on my computer.
- I know how to create and save documents in my word processor.
- I know (or can learn before the course starts) how to attach a file
that I create in my word processor to an e-mail message.
HELP!
When you test your system through the SUNY Learning Network (SLN) you will find answers to many of these questions.
PART TWO: Academic Considerations
Online classes run during the normal semester, and while students don't have to attend class at a given hour and day, they do have to sign on, do the assignments, interact with their instructors and classmates, and generally participate in the course on a regular basis. Even so, self-motivation is important. This exercise is designed to measure your likelihood of success in online courses. Please consider your answers carefully. The more accurately your answers reflect your true opinions/skills, the more accurately this exercise will help you predict your chances for successful completion of an online course.
If you disagree with more than four or five of the following statements, online learning could be a challenge for you -- but only you know if you are committed and motivated enough to overcome these areas of concern.
- I am a self-motivated individual.
- I am ready to participate in this course regularly, several times per
week, if required.
- I use a computer often.
- I take good notes from lectures, books, and TV programs.
- I am good at organizing my time and surroundings.
- I'm a good writer.
- I am comfortable using a word processor.
- I have good reading comprehension skills.
- I expect online coursework to take more time and effort than traditional
in-class courses do.
- I am comfortable asking my instructor questions for clarification.
- I know how to send and receive e-mail.
- When I set my sights on an end result, I usually achieve it.
- I am able to gather information visually.
- I am not a procrastinator; I like to get things done.
- I am comfortable with the idea of communicating with my instructor
and fellow students in the class only via the Internet.
- I am generally in control of my time; I decide how to use it.
- I seldom run into computer problems that I can't resolve myself.
- I do not give up easily, even when confronted by obstacles.
- I consider myself a college-level reader.
- I have spent many hours using the World Wide Web.
- I am capable of doing college-level work.
- I am excited about taking a course online.
- I have at least a 2.5 grade point average.
- I have regular access to a computer off-campus.