Social Work Self-Assessment for Online Learners

Self-Assessment for Online Learners

Twenty-first century students have many choices when it comes to college. From traditional brick-and-mortar universities to hybrid and online courses, selecting the right program can be tricky. With improving technology, online programs are increasing, and though they are an excellent option for students seeking flexibility and cost savings, web-based classes are not for everyone. Online programs require independent work, discipline, and motivation. The following self-assessment tool is designed to help students determine if an online program is right for them.

Check only one box for each question. Be sure to calculate your score after each section to see how you’re doing.

Learning Style and Environment

1. Do you have access to a computer with an Internet connection?

I own a computer and have my own Internet access. I have regular access to a computer that has Internet access. I only have occasional access to a computer with Internet access.

2. How capable are you of handling files and documents on a computer?

I know how to install software and updates and I can upload, download, and manage files on a computer. I can open and save files and work with documents, but I rely on others for more complex tasks. I have little experience working with computers.

3. How often do you use the Internet to do basic research and manage e-mail?

I regularly use the Internet for personal and professional e-mail, as well as my own research efforts. I mostly use the Internet for personal enjoyment. I’d send a text message before I’d send an e-mail. I don’t really use the Internet.

4. Do you need supervision to complete tasks?

I routinely work alone and can regularly meet deadlines and expectations. I need some supervision to complete assignments. I need constant direct supervision.

5. Can you learn new concepts and ideas independently, either by reading assigned materials or by conducting your own research?

I am an independent learner, even with subjects that are of little interest to me. I am able to learn about interesting subjects on my own, but I become impatient with drier material. I need prompts and guidance in order to learn new material.

6. Are you comfortable writing and taking essay exams?

I am a good writer and I typically do well on essay tests. I am comfortable with writing. I tend to do well on short answer tests, but I have trouble with longer essays. I am uncomfortable writing and dislike essay questions, but I would like to work on my writing skills with some guidance.

7. Are you adept at taking objective tests with true/false, matching, and multiple-choice questions?

I am good at objective tests about a wide variety of subjects. I am good at taking objective tests as long as the class is interesting. I am not good at objective testing but I would like to get better at it.

8. Do you usually participate in classroom discussions?

I do not like to participate in classroom discussions and prefer to learn on my own. I do not mind classroom discussions, but sometimes I lose interest. I learn a subject best after I have discussed it in class.

Your Score for this section

STOP! Check your Learning Style/Environment score before continuing on to the next section.

Score 20-24 Your learning style will best be served by a traditional in-class experience. Check out ways to prepare for your college program.

Score 14-19 You possess many of the skills and resources needed to succeed in an online program, but, depending on the material, you may benefit from a more traditional in-class experience. You may want to consider a hybrid program.

Score 8-13 You have the qualities and personality to meet the demands of an accredited online program.

College and Career Goals

1. Are you goal-oriented?

I routinely set goals for myself and then work to achieve them. I set goals for myself, but do not always meet them. I prefer not to set goals because I rarely meet them.

2. Have you been a good student in the past?

I have always earned good grades. I usually earn good grades but sometimes struggle with difficult subjects. I earn good grades when I work in a group or with a tutor, but often have trouble on my own.

3. Do you enjoy the process of discovering new and useful information in a class?

I like to learn new things but I prefer to do so independently rather than as part of a class. I occasionally enjoy classes, but mostly it’s just a required task. I enjoy learning and thrive in a classroom environment.

4. Have you always wanted to go away to college and live on campus?

I do not want to leave my current residence. Living on campus sounds like fun for a while, but it would start to get old. I want to live on campus.

5. Complete this statement: “I want to start taking courses immediately…

…because I really need the college credits, and I want to get started as soon as possible.” …because I feel I should, but I don’t have any urgent reason to get started.” …for no particular reason. I’m in no hurry.”

6. Do you need additional training or an advanced degree in order to advance your career?

I am capable of moving up, but I need more schooling to obtain the best positions. I’m not sure if I’m ready to move into a new job, but I am interested in exploring my options. I am not looking to change or advance my career, at least right now.

7. Do you prefer activities, classes, and careers that involve a great deal of hands-on experience, as opposed to independent reading and research?

I’m a bookworm and prefer to read from home. I love interactive learning and using tools in class, but I am also fine with just reading. I much prefer to work with tools and experiment myself instead of sit in a chair reading.

8. Do you want to develop a network of friends and colleagues from among your college classmates?

I look forward to working with new people, but I already have an extensive social network. I would like to build connections with my classmates, although it is not of paramount importance to me. I am looking forward to making good friends with my classmates.

Your Score for this section

STOP! Check your College/Career Goals score before continuing on to the next section.

Score 20-24 A brick-and-mortar college would best suit your goals.

Score 14-19 You may benefit from clarifying your goals.

Score 8-13 Your goals align perfectly with attending an accredited online program.

Current Financial Situation and Schedule

1. Can you attend classes and take tests on campus throughout the semester?

My schedule will not permit me to be on campus very often during the day. I have some flexibility in my schedule and could be on campus occasionally during the week. My schedule is completely open, and I could easily attend classes and take tests on campus.

2. Can you dedicate the time equivalent of twice a course’s credit hours (for example, six hours for a three credit hour class) each week to class work, homework, and study?

I can make room in my schedule to devote a substantial amount of time to each class. I am unsure if I can spend that much time on every course. My time is limited and I cannot spend much time on classes every week.

3. Do you enjoy working or studying at unconventional hours?

I regularly rise early, stay up late, or work on weekends to complete my work. I can get things done at odd hours, but I prefer a nine-to-five schedule. I do not work well at night or on weekends.

4. What happens when you procrastinate?

I do not generally procrastinate, but when I do, I still manage to succeed at the task. I work down to the last minute to complete the task, but sometimes do not do my best work. I often do not complete the task, and I always need some oversight to keep me on track.

5. Are you able to stay on task and gauge your progress without an instructor or supervisor’s assessment?

I routinely examine my own work and make any adjustments I think necessary to succeed. I generally keep up with my work, although I sometimes need an outside opinion. I need the input of others in order to succeed at a task.

6. Do you need to work full-time while attending school?

Yes, I have bills to pay and I need to hold down a steady job. No, but I have to work at least part-time. I do not need to work while in school.

7. Can you use the GI Bill or other programs for veterans to help pay for college?

I intend to use my veteran’s benefits to help cover the cost of school. I am a veteran, but I am unsure if I qualify for benefits. I am not a veteran.

8. Are you willing to take out student loans to pay for college expenses you cannot otherwise afford?

I qualify for student loans but I would like to limit the amount of debt I incur. I am not sure if I can take out any loans. I am comfortable taking out large amounts of student loans.

Your Score for this section

STOP! Check your Financial Situation/Schedule score before continuing on to the next section.

Score 20-24 With your financial situation and schedule, a traditional classtoom experience will likely work best for you.

Score 14-19 You may have trouble financing your education and you should consider researching funding options.

Score 8-13 You're ready to start with an online program.

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