Are you ready to be an online student? Taking a class online requires a different set of skills
than attending a course in the traditional classroom. Take our survey to see if you have the skills
expected of an online learner.
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I don't mind sharing life, work or educational experiences with other students.
Introverts as well as extroverts find that the online process requires them to utilize their experiences. Online communication eliminates the visual barriers that hinder some individuals in expressing themselves. In addition, you are given time to reflect on the information before responding. The online environment should be open and friendly.
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I am able to effectively communicate through writing.
In the Virtual Classroom, nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that you feel comfortable in expressing yourself in writing. If you feel that you may have limited writing abilities, this should be addressed before or as part of your online experience. This may require remedial efforts on your part.
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I am a self-motivated, self-disciplined individual.
With the freedom and flexibility of the online environment comes responsibility. The online process takes a real commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the process.
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I am too shy to "speak up" if problems arise.
Many of the non-verbal communication mechanisms that instructors use in determining whether you are having problems (confusion, frustration, boredom, absence, etc.) are not possible in the online paradigm. If you are experiencing difficulty on any level (either with the technology or with the course content), you must communicate this immediately, otherwise the instructor will never know what is wrong.
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I am willing and able to set aside 4 to 15 hours each week for each online class.
Online courses are not easier than the traditional educational process. In fact, many students will say it requires much more time and commitment.
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I am able to meet the minimum requirements for online courses.
The requirements for online courses are no less than that of any other quality educational program. The successful student will view online courses as a convenient way to receive their education - not an easier way.
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I can accept critical thinking and decision making as part of the learning process.
The learning process requires that you make decisions based on facts as well as experience. Assimilating information and executing the right decisions requires critical thought; case analysis does this very effectively.
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I do not have regular access to an Internet-connected computer.
The communication medium is an Internet-connected computer; you must have access to the necessary equipment. NAU maintains both on-campus and statewide computer labs for student use.
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I am able to think ideas through before responding.
Meaningful and quality input into the virtual classroom is an essential part of the learning process. Time is given in the process to allow for the careful consideration of responses. The testing and challenging of ideas is encouraged; you will not always be right, just be prepared to accept a challenge.
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I feel that high-quality learning can only occur by going to a traditional classroom.
If you feel that a traditional classroom is a prerequisite to learning, you may be more comfortable in the traditional classroom. Online courses are not for everybody. A student that wants to be on a traditional campus attending a traditional classroom is probably not going to be happy online. While the level of social interaction can be very high in the virtual classroom given that many barriers come down in the online format, it is not the same as living in a dorm on a campus.
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