Before enrolling in an online course, you should first assess your readiness for becoming an online learner. You will receive feedback based on your answers to the following questions that will help you think about yourself as a learner and determine what you need to do to be successful in an online learning environment. This questionnaire will take approximately three (3) minutes to complete.
I am good at setting goals and deadlines for myself.
I have a really good reason for taking an online course.
I finish the projects I start.
I do not quit just because things get difficult.
I can keep myself on track and on time.
Your answers indicate that you are self-directed, well organized, and prepared for the challenges of working independently as an online learner.
Your answers indicate that you are relatively organized and focused on independently completing tasks. These qualities are very important in an online course. You should strive to enhance your organizational skills by setting goals, identifying required tasks, and establishing timelines for completion. In addition, try to eliminate distractions that may prevent you from implementing your plan. These suggestions will help you become a successful online learner. The FHU Center for Academic Success can offer strategies and techniques to help you in this regard.
Your answers indicate that you need to improve your organizational skills and place greater focus on the "task at hand" in order to be a successful online student. This includes your ability to manage your time and prioritize the tasks required to complete an online project or course. The FHU Center for Academic Success can offer strategies and techniques to help you in this regard.
I learn relatively easily.
I can learn from things I hear, like lectures, audio recordings, or podcasts.
I have to read something to learn it best.
I have developed good ways to solve problems I run into.
I learn best when I figure things out for myself.
I like to lean in a group, but I can learn on my own as well.
I am willing to send e-mail to or have discussions with people I might never see.
Your answers indicate that you are flexible in your learning preferences, confident in your ability to solve problems, and comfortable when working independently or collaborating with others. These attributes will help you adapt to the online-learning environment.
Your answers indicate that you are somewhat flexible in your learning preferences, fairly confident in your problem-solving ability, and willing to work independently or in groups. However, you may encounter difficulties with certain aspects of online courses that are impacted by your learning preferences. To be successful, you may need to improve upon your basic-learning skills, such as reading, listening, writing, and problem-solving. The FHU Center for Academic Success can help you assess your learning preferences and offer suggestions to adapt accordingly.
Your answers indicate that the various forms of content normally delivered in online courses may not be suited for your learning preferences. In addition, you should be aware that self-reliance in problem-solving and feeling comfortable working independently or in groups are important attributes of an online learner. You may wish to discuss your current learning preferences with the FHU Center for Academic Success to determine if online learning is right for you.
I usually study in a place where I can read and work on assignments without distractions.
I can ignore distractions around me when I study.
I am willing to spend 10-20 hours each week on an online course.
I keep record of what my assignments are and when they are due.
I plan my work in advance so that I can turn in my assignments on time.
When I study, people around me will help me study and not try to distract me.
I am willing to use e-mail and other online tools to ask my classmates and instructors questions.
Your answers indicate that you are focused, able to prioritize your work to meet deadlines, willing to take advantage of the support offered by others, and willing to dedicate the time required to successfully meet your learning goals. Each of these study skills will help you achieve the learning outcomes for your online course.
Your answers indicate that you are aware of the study and time management skills required to successfully complete an online course, but you may not be following through. Remember the importance of eliminating distractions and identifying a study location that is conducive to learning. Prioritize your work and develop a study plan that will enable you to dedicate at least ten (10) hours each week per course. Please remember that the FHU Center for Academic Success can offer suggestions to improve your skills in this regard.
Your answers indicate that you may need to improve your study and time management skills prior to taking an online course. Try to eliminate distractions and identify a study location that is conducive to learning. Prioritize your work and develop a study plan that will enable you to dedicate at least ten (10) hours each week per course. Please remember that the FHU Center for Academic Success can offer suggestions to improve your skills in this regard.
I am relatively good at using the computer.
I am comfortable surfing the internet.
I am comfortable conducting searches, setting bookmarks, and downloading files.
I am comfortable installing software and changing configuration settings on my computer.
I know someone who can help me if I have computer problems.
Your answers indicate that you are a confident computer user with the necessary skills to manage your computing environment, either personally or by seeking help from appropriate sources. Please remember that the FHU HelpDesk is available to assist you with your technology needs.
Your answers indicate that you may need occasional help managing your computing environment. Try to identify someone in advance to assist you with more complex computing tasks, while you seek to improve your own skill set. Please remember that the FHU HelpDesk is available to assist you with your technology needs.
Your answers indicate that you may not have the necessary skills to manage your computing environment. You may need to enhance your technical skills before taking an online course. Please remember that the FHU HelpDesk is available to assist you with your technology needs.
My computer reliably runs the Mac OS 10.8 or Windows 7 Pro (or higher) operating systems.
I have word processing and spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
I have broadband access to the Internet with a fast and reliable connection.
I have virus protection software running on my computer.
I have headphones or speakers and a microphone to use if a class has a video conference.
My browser will play several common multimedia (video and audio) formats.
Your answers indicate that you have adequate computing capabilities. Please refer to FHU's Academic Computing Standards for Students for a complete list of minimum requirements and recommended configurations. Be aware that computing requirements may vary by course. It is recommended that you review specific course requirements before starting any online course.
Your answers indicate that you may need some hardware upgrades or additional software installed to ensure the best possible experience while engaged in online learning. Please refer to FHU's Academic Computing Standards for Students for a complete list of minimum requirements and recommended configurations. Be aware that computing requirements may vary by course. It is recommended that you review specific course requirements before starting any online course.
Your answers indicate that you may not have adequate computing capabilities to successfully function in an online environment. Therefore, you should consider upgrading your hardware and/or software before beginning an online course. Please refer to FHU's Academic Computing Standards for Students for a complete list of minimum requirements and recommended configurations. Be aware that computing requirements may vary by course. It is recommended that you review specific course requirements before starting any online course.
Are you ready to become an online learner? To answer this question, review the feedback from each section of the questionnaire to help you determine if you are prepared to take an online course. Be sure to consider your strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations in making your determination. Please contact the Center for Academic Success if you have questions regarding your ability to become a successful online learner.
Online Readiness Questionnaire by Penn State University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License
Original Work by Vicki Williams of Penn State University