Is the Virtual College right for me?
Are You Virtual College Material?
The Virtual College at Fort Hays State University 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 at how convenient and flexible
the degree programs really are - part time or full time. You can 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 as the Virtual College allows you to study anytime, anywhere.
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. All the effort pays off in the end, however it does require real work. Is distance learning
for you?
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