Online Learner Readiness Assessment

Are You Ready to Take an Online Course?

 Distance learning provides considerable freedom, allowing students to often choose when and where they'll participate in class activities. However, this flexibility must be balanced by responsibility, as courses will have deadlines, course attendance requirements, or group collaboration. Contrary to popular belief, online courses are not easier than traditional classroom learning and are more rigorous. There are many possible challenges to online learning, as outlined below:

Test

 

Time on Task

Additionally, online students should expect to spend at least as much time in an online course as they would in a traditional course, and sometimes more. A 3-credit-hour online course in a 16-week session will require approximately 6-9 hours per week engaging in coursework.

 

Learner Readiness Tool

Purpose

The Learner Readiness Tool (LRT) is a collaborative creation designed to introduce students to crucial components of online learning prior to taking an online course.

Time management Image

Time Management

Online course success begins with effective time management skills...

 

Reading, Rate , Recall

Reading, Rate , Recall

Online course success begins with effective time management skills...

 

 

Learning Styles Image

Learning Styles

Do you know how you prefer to learn? Learning styles (preferences)...

 

 

Organizational Skills Image

Organizational Skills

Organizational skills are essential to an individual's success to help a person...

 

 

Workspace and Environment

Workspace and Environment

Study environments have a huge impact on successful online learning...

 

 

Technical Requirements

Technical Requirements

Devices used to successfully complete online course work should be reviewed...

 

 

Time Management

Often times, students have some misunderstandings concerning online courses. One common misconception is that online courses are easier and require less time than traditional face-to-face courses. However, being an online student is not a simple task. Online courses require as much, if not more, energy than traditional on-campus courses. While taking online courses does offer more flexibility and convenience for students, there are still deadlines and specific requirements that online students must follow in order to be successful. One of the most important skills you can have as an online student is effective time management.

Here Are a Few Time Management Tips:

Create a plan and establish a routine
Use a calendar or planner to note important course dates:
Plan ahead. Check in often, at least once a day!
Utilize University Resources
Create a Distraction Free Work Space
Take Time to Reward Your Accomplishments

Resources

 

Assess Your Time Managemet Skills

Reading, Rate, and Recall

When it comes to our personal growth, culture and development, literacy is one of the most important skills. As a learner in higher education, you will need a wide range of literacy skills to achieve your goals both as a learner and professional. Whether you are reading content online or by print, how effective you are at reading will be a factor in your success as a learner. As part of being successful, it is important to consider how fast (rate) you read and how much you can remember (recall) afterward. The tips and resources provided are designed to help you be successful in your higher education journey.

 

line light bulb colored purple. Denotes important information.   Speed Reading Test         Reading and Comprehension Test

 

             

Tips:

 

Resources:

General Reading Improvement

 

Reading, Rate & Recall Self Assessment

 

Learning Styles (Preferences)

Do you know how you learn?

Dr. Hugh Foley explains the importance and value of understanding why learning styles (preferences) are so important. Please review the video before proceeding further. Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic (VARK) tells you something about yourself that you may or may not know. It can be used to understand your boss, your colleagues, your parents, your workmates, your partner, your customers, your teacher, your relatives, your clients and yourself. It is a short, simple inventory that has been well-received because its dimensions are intuitively understood and its applications are practical. It has helped people understand each other and assists them to learn more effectively in many situations.

720 HD - Time 3:22 - Transcript

Resources

 

Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic Assessment

 

Organizational Skills

How do you know if your current organizational skills are good enough

Organizational skills are essential to an individual's success to help a person; plan, prioritize, and achieve his or her goals. Also, good organizational skills teach individuals to stay focused, complete tasks, and better utilize time so that students can successfully complete their online course work. Preparing, planning, and implementing best practices will; prevent frustration, late assignments, and procrastination.On this page you will finds tips, resources and information about planning and getting organizied. After reviewing the information visit the self assessment "Access your organizational skills".

 

720 HD - Time 9:25 - Transcript

10 Organizational Tips

Sleep and Wake Up on Time

Set your alarm clock in a place where you physically have to get out of bed to turn it off. The more movement your body makes the better chances you will awaken quicker and stay awake.

Determine Your Best Time to Study

Are you a morning person or a night person? Schedule your most critical tasks when alert and not sluggish. It's smart to book your studying when you will get the most out of it. 

Develop a Schedule (Plan at the beginning of the week)

Establish a routine of regular activities including studying, healthy eating, working out, and free time. You will function better physically, emotionally, and mentally. A well-balanced college schedule will give you the most out of your college experience.

Set Daily Goals

Write down a daily to-do list. A daily plan will give you a sense of direction on how you should spend your time.

Take Notes

Intense note taking is required for classes. Whether you are taking notes on lined paper or on your computer, do a quick read-through after class. When the material is fresh on your mind, you will better remember it and can add anything you might have missed.

Create a Clean Workspace

Make your study area neat and clutter-free. Remove any items that will keep you from doing your homework. Minimize noise that might make it hard to concentrate (television, loud music).

Organize Your Materials

Keep your class notes and course work in order. When it comes to studying, It's helpful to find everything in one place like one folder on your computer's desktop or one notebook.

Turn Off the Distractions

When studying, it's essential to stay focused. Turn off your smartphone and don't check your email or social media while on your computer. With your full attention on studying, you will get a lot more accomplished in a shorter amount of time. Phone calls, texts, and emails can wait.

Form a Study Group

Bringing fellow classmates together could prove to be a good learning strategy. Discussing theories and quizzing each other can help boost your knowledge on subject matter. Try to limit your study group to 6 people to keep it from turning into a social event.

Use Your Phone for Reminders

Most phones have a reminder feature. Set your phone to remind you in advance of important events, so you don't forget to turn in a project or study for an exam.

 

Resources:

 

Content of this page was provided by: Kendall, S. (2019). SignUpGenius, 15 Organizational Tips for College Students. Retrieved from; https://www.signupgenius.com/college/organization-tips-for-college-students.cfm.

 

Assess Your Organizational Skills

 

Workspace and Environment

Tips on Setting Up a Work Space

For individuals starting online courses it is important to set yourself up for success. One area that is very important is a distraction free study work space. Your work space environment should be comfortable, appealing, and a place you can be productive. There are 4 key elements presented on this page and other resources to help you get organized and prepare a distraction free work space and study environment.

720 HD - Time 12:07 - Transcript

 4 Key Elements of a Successful Work Space

Getting Started
Organize Your Time
Remove all Distractions
Name a Place

 

Resources:

 

Technical Requirements

Is my equipment up to speed?

 You may choose to complete online coursework using a range of devices such as a laptop, tablet, notebook, iPad, or a smart phone. Whatever device you choose, it is good to know what type of hardware, software, peripherals, plug-ins, and browsers that best suits your needs and meet the minimum technical specifications of the institutions Learning Management System (LMS).If you are not familiar with technical terms please visit the Glossary of Computer Terms.

 

 

 

line light bulb colored purple. Denotes important information. Search the institution's website and course syllabus for specific hardware requirements. The syllabus may provide information for additional hardware.

 

Learning Management Systems

Click the appropriate LMS Platform link below for your institution:

 

 

Online Readiness Assessment