Distance learning is not appropriate for everyone. Some students find distance learning a positive, rewarding experience; others are frustrated by the experience and have difficulty succeeding in this type of class. Possessing certain qualities will increase your opportunity for success and enhance your enjoyment of distance classes. Answering these 10 questions thoughtfully will help you determine if distance learning is right for you.

When you have answered all questions, click the Score button at the bottom of the page.


1. Having face-to-face interaction with my instructors and fellow students is
  a. not particularly important to me
  b. somewhat important to me
  c. very important to me


2. I would classify myself as someone who
  a. has good organizational skills and often completes assignments ahead of time
  b. has weak organizational skills, needs reminding about assignments, and often procrastinates
  c. has poor organizational skills and sometimes forgets to complete assignments


3. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer
  a. figuring out the directions myself
  b. trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed
  c. having the instructions explained to me


4. When it comes to assessing my own progress, I
  a. feel as if I can keep tabs on my progress, even without immediate or frequent feedback
  b. prefer to receive regular feedback, but it need not be immediate
  c. need feedback immediately and often


5. My need to take a distance delivered course is
  a. high - I need it immediately for a degree, job advancement or other important reason
  b. moderate - I could take it on campus or substitute another course
  c. low - It's a personal interest that could be postponed


6. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on a distance learning course is
  a. 7-9 hours per week
  b. 4-6 hours per week
  c. 1-3 hours per week


7. When I am asked to use software or technologies that I haven't used before (such as e-mail, voice mail, a VCR)
  a. I look forward to learning new skills
  b. I feel apprehensive, but try anyway
  c. I put it off or try to avoid it


8. If I had to describe my predominant learning style/preference, I would say it is
  a. visual - I learn best when I can read the course materials or view graphics
  b. auditory - I learn best when I can listen to an explanation of a concept
  c. tactile - I learn best by "doing" (for instance conducting an experiment)


9. My personal and professional schedule is
  a. predictable; I can generally plan, well in advance, blocks of time to devote to classwork
  b. generally predictable, but sometimes last minute meetings or events come up that cannot be rescheduled
  c. kind of crazy; I rarely know when I'm going to have free time that I can set aside for class work


10. My reading and writing skills are
  a. excellent; I understand most of what I read and can express myself clearly
  b. average; I sometimes need help understanding what I have read or clearly
  c. poor; I often have difficulty understanding written material or clearly


Your total score is

Total score between 21 and 30
Total score between 15 and 20
Total score below 14
Distance learning is a suitable option for you. You can read the interpretation of questions or proceed to assessing your computer equipment. Distance learning may be a possibility for you. Look over your responses to questions 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 10. If you answered A to at least three of these questions, you may succeed in a distance class. Review the interpretation of questions before making a final decision. Distance learning may not be the best option for you. You can review the interpretation of questions or view information about other programs at your institution.