Are you ready for an online course?

We want you to succeed in your online coursework. Before enrolling in an online course ask yourself the following:

Are you a self-starter?

In order to keep up in many online courses you will need to be self-motivated to complete tasks such as activities, quizzes, and discussions in a timely manner. Many online activities have specific “open and close” dates, which require completion within a given period of time-just as if you were in a traditional class. Waiting until the end of the offering dates to “start” a course is simply not possible and will likely result in failure. While online coursework may provide a flexible window for completing activities, you will still need to stay on schedule.

Are you proficient with a computer?

Successfully completing an online course requires proficiency in a variety of computer skills. Make sure you can perform the tasks listed below. If you are deficient in any of these areas we have resources available to assist you. You may want to reconsider your decision to enroll in a web-based course if you cannot perform most of these tasks-we want you to succeed.

Can you:

• Manage files and folders on your computer
• Perform common computing tasks (such as: copying/cutting, pasting, saving/deleting files, etc.)
• Navigate the Internet using a web browser
• Use word processing software such as Microsoft Word
• Use email to send and check email
• Save files in different formats
• Use a web search engine to perform research

Complete the online learning readiness assessment (developed by Penn State University). This assessment will provide you customized feedback and suggestions to help you prepare for your online course.

Online Learning Readiness Assessment