Is It Right for Me?

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Online Learning Self-Assessment

In addition to Face-to-face classes, Community College of Philadelphia also offers fully online hybrid (both online and required face to face meetings) and hyflex (students can choose whether to attend in person, via zoom or asynchronously online (by watching a recording of the class session). Students can change their choice of modality for each class session.

Students are expected to establish and maintain high levels of involvement and interaction throughout the semester. Some find online learning to be a positive, rewarding experience; others experience frustration and difficulty succeeding in this type of class. Possessing certain qualities will increase your chance for success with, and enhance your enjoyment of, online classes.

You know yourself best. Answering these 10 questions thoughtfully will help you determine if online learning is right for you. When done, click the "Score" button at the bottom of the page to tally your results.

Technology Questions:

Online learning requires you to provide or have access to reliable equipment and internet access. Please review the following questions.

1. Describe Your Computer Access—You cannot expect to take an online course using your phone

I have a computer at home or will have a dedicated computer via the college Computer Loan Program
(Note, you cannot expect to complete your coursework on a mobile device.)
I do not have a computer at home, but I have access to a computer for at least four hours a day.
I have sporadic access to a computer.

2. Describe your Internet access

I have access to reliable Internet in my home or study space.
I have daily access to unreliable internet (down greater than eight hours a week).
I do not have reliable internet access for my computers, or I use my phone as my primary internet access.

3. My technology skills are:

High. I can use email, Web browsers, word-processing software, and can download files and create attachments. I like trying to solve technology problems on my own and do not get frustrated easily.
Medium. I can use email, Web browsers and word-processing software. I do not feel comfortable solving technology problems on my own.
Low. I have used email, Web browsers and word-processing software but it takes a while, or I am uncomfortable doing tasks such as uploading files.

Study Skills

To be successful you need to be a self-learner, these questions will help you evaluate if you can succeed at online learning.

1. I would describe my personal learning style as:

Self-motivated, self-disciplined, and organized.
I'm motivated, but I need help remembering assignments and due dates.
Pretty disorganized - I need someone to motivate me and help me stay on top of my coursework.

2. When it comes to procrastination:

I rarely procrastinate.
I sometimes procrastinate, but I almost always complete assignments on time.
I always procrastinate - I like to work under pressure.

3. When I set goals and deadlines for myself:

I almost always meet them.
I meet them most of the time, but it is not always easy.
Often, I do not meet goals that I have set for myself.

4. When I need help in class:

I feel comfortable asking questions and asking for help when I need it.
I hesitate to ask questions of the instructor, but I will ask for help if I need it.
I do not like to ask questions or ask for help.

Environment

1. The amount of uninterrupted time I have available to devote to an online class is:

15 hours or more per week, anytime during the day or night.
10-15 hours per week.
less than 10 hours per week.

2. I am considering taking an online course because:

I am comfortable with technology and online classes fit into my schedule.
I need the class for a graduation requirement or job situation, and I cannot fit it in to my campus schedule.
I need this class for a graduation requirement, and it is only offered online.

3. When it comes to my learning environment:

I have a comfortable, distraction-free place to study whenever I need it.
I can go somewhere such as the college library to study when they are open.
It is difficult for me to find a distraction-free place to study.

Your Results:

Technology Results Score:

If you scored 4 or below, you may want to think about upgrading your equipment and Internet access (if possible) or making yourself comfortable with technology before taking online, hybrid, or hyflex classes.

If you scored 5, you may want to think about your access to technology and technological skills before taking online, hybrid, or hyflex classes.

If you scored 6 or above, you have the right combination of equipment and expertise to take online, hybrid, or hyflex classes.

Study Skills Results Score:

If you scored 5 or below, you may want to get used to college study skills before you take an online or hybrid course, however you may want to consider taking a hyflex course, which will allow you to attend class face to face when you feel the need for face-to-face interaction.

If you scored a 6 or 7, you may want to reflect on your study habits before taking an online or hybrid course, however you may want to consider taking a hyflex course, which will allow you to attend class face to face when you feel the need for face-to-face interaction.

If you scored an 8 or above, your study habits and ability to study independently make you a suitable candidate for an online, hybrid, or hyflex course.

Learning Environment Results Score:

If you scored 4 or below, consider reflecting on the online learning modality and if another modality would be better for you. You may be more comfortable in a face-to-face, hybrid, or hyflex class.

If you scored a 5, you will want to think about your ability to find a time and place to complete your assignments if taking an online class. You may be more comfortable in a face-to-face, hybrid, or hyflex class.

If you scored a 6 or above, your environment is supportive to online learning.