Is Distance Learning Right for You?

If you are thinking about pursuing a degree by distance learning and joining the thousands of other School of Interdisciplinary Learning alumni, then we recommend that you complete this quiz. The quiz is intended to help you determine if you are a good candidate for a distance learning program.

Select the answer that's best for you. When you are done, click "Submit" and your score will be computed.

1. My need to take a course NOW is:

   High–I need it immediately for my degree or job.
   Moderate–I could take it on campus later, but it would be inconvenient.
   Low–It's offered often, or I can substitute another course.
   

2. If I have to go on campus for exams, labs or to complete assignments:

   I can go any time.
   I can go with difficulty, after rearranging my schedule.
   I cannot go evenings or weekends.
   

3. Considering my schedule, the time I have to work on a distance education course is:

   more than I would have for any other course.
   the same as I would have for any other course.
   less than I would have or any other course.
   

4. Feeling a part of the class and talking with my classmates is:

   not important for me.
   somewhat important to me.
   very important to me.
   

5. I am someone who:

   often gets things done ahead of time.
   needs reminding to get things done on time.
   puts things off until the last minute.
   

6. Classroom discussions are:

   rarely helpful to me.
   sometimes helpful to me.
   very helpful to me.
   

7. When my instructor gives an assignment, I prefer to:

   figure it out for myself.
   follow the directions on my own, then ask for help if I need it.
   have the instructions explained to me in detail.
   

8. As a reader, I am:

   Good–I read fast and understand the text without help.
   Average–I need to read everything twice and sometimes need help understanding it.
   Not great–I need lots of time to read and lots of help to understand the material.
   

9. I need my instructor's comments on my assignments:

   within a few weeks so I can review.
   within a few days or I forget what I did.
   right away or I get frustrated.
   

10. If asked to use computers, VCRs, voice mail, or other technologies that are new to me:

    I look forward to learning new skills.
    I feel apprehensive, but try it anyway.
    I do anything to avoid it.