WHAT IS DISTANCE LEARNING?

Distance learning is any type of learning that occurs when the instructor and the student(s) are separated by time and/or place. It can be delivered using a variety of methods or technologies.

ARE DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES FOR ME?

How well would distance learning courses fit your circumstances and lifestyle?
Pick one answer for each of the following 10 questions and jot them down on a piece of paper.
At the end you will be told how to score your responses.

1. My need to take this course now is:

a. High-I need it immediately for degree, job, or other important reason.

b. Moderate-I could take it on campus later or substitute another course.

c. Low-It's a personal interest that could be postponed

2. Feeling that I am part of a class is:

a. Not particularly necessary to me

b. Somewhat important to me.

c. Very important to me.

3. I would classify myself as someone who:

a. Often gets things done ahead of time.

b. Needs reminding to get things done on time.

c. Put things off until the last minute.

4. Classroom discussion is:

a. Rarely helpful to me.

b. Sometimes helpful to me.

c. Almost always helpful to me.

5. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer:

a. Figuring out the instructions myself.

b. Trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed.

c. Having the instructions explained to me.

6. I need faculty comments on my assignments:

a. Within a few weeks, so I can review what I did.

b. Within a few days, or I forget what I did.

c. Right away, or I get very frustrated.

7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to
work on distance education courses is:

a. More than enough for a campus class or distance education course.

b. The same as for a class on campus.

c. Less than for a class on campus.

8. When I am asked to use VCRs, computers, voice mail, or other technologies new to me:

a. I look forward to learning new skills.

b. I feel apprehensive, but try it anyway.

c. I put it off and try to avoid it.

9. As a reader, I would classify myself as:

a. Good-I usually understand the text without help.

b. Average-I sometimes need help to understand the text.

c. Slower than average.

10. If I have to go to the campus to take exams or complete work:

a. I can go to campus anytime.

b. I may miss some lab assignments or exam deadlines if campus labs are not

open evenings and weekends.

c. I will have difficulty going to the campus, even in the evenings and on

weekends.

Scoring:

Add 3 points for each "a" that you indicated, 2 for each "b", and 1 for each "c". if you
scored 20 or over, a distance learning course is a real possibility for you. If you scored
between 11 and 20, distance learning courses may work for you, but you may need to make a
few adjustments in your schedule and study habits to succeed. if you scored 10 or less, distance
learning courses may not currently be the best alternative for you; talk to a counselor.

Explanations:

The ten questions in the questionnaire reflect some of the facts about taking distance
learning courses.

1. Distance learning students sometimes can end up neglecting courses because of

2. Some students prefer the independence of distance learning courses; others find it
uncomfortable.

3. Distance learning courses give students greater freedom of scheduling, but they can
require more self-discipline than on-campus courses.

4. Some people learn best by interacting with other students and instructors, but distance
learning courses do not provide much opportunity for this interaction.

5. Distance learning courses require you to work from written directions without
face-to-face instructions.

6. It may take two weeks to get comments back by mail from your instructor.

7. Distance learning courses require at least as much time as on-campus courses.

8. Distance learning courses frequently use technology for teaching and communication.

9. Print materials are the primary source of directions and information in some distance
learning courses.

10. Some distance learning courses require some on-campus work; orientation,
review sessions, exams, labs. Student schedule flexibility is important.

Reasons to Procrastinate:

1.

Sorry, I never got around to listing the reasons! This is a bit silly but it represents a very important example of why some students do not do well in a distance learning class -- you simply cannot put things off and get behind. If you do get behind you absolutely must contact your instructor for help in catching up. Most instructors will be open to a plan for catching up and will even help you create such a plan. It's an old saying, but "Plan your work -- and work your plan!" Another old saying is, "The behinder I get, the behinder I get!" Don't procrastinate and have your work pile up.

Questionaire information originated from PBS
Original questionaire last modified 03/28/97
Ann Launstein, OCCDEC

Questionaire modified for Delta College on 11/08/99
Computer Science and Information Technology
R. Hoag and D. Mulholland