Title: Online Readiness
Course: CNT 100: Introduction to Windows Networking ~ for IGNITE Review

This is a self evaluation survey to determine if online learning is a good fit for you. Your answers will help you decide if this online class is right for you. It will also give me an idea of the skill level of the class as a whole. Answer each of the questions as honestly as you can.  Think about your computer skills as well as your learning style when answering.  Hopefully, this survey will help you decide if you are ready to succeed in an online learning environment.

Q: Do you have (or are you able) to obtain access to a computer and Internet connection at home?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: Great! You will need to use a computer outside of class to access the course website and complete your work online every week.
If wrong: You should seriously think about taking a more traditional class since a computer is essential to doing the online portion of this class. You will need to come to WCC to use a computer for your online class every week or else find a friend or relative's computer to use to access the course website and complete assignments and activities online. It will be a challenge.

Q: Do you know how to use email and access the Web using a browser?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: Wonderful! These are essential skills for succeeding in the class.
If wrong: You won't be able to participate in the class without these basic skills. Maybe a more traditional class is a better fit.

Q: Does your computer have or are you willing to install Internet Explorer, Firefox (Mozilla), or Safari as a browser?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: That means that the Blackboard software will operate pretty well for you.
If wrong: This could cause major problems since these are the operating systems that work best with Blackboard. AOL in particular does NOT work well with Blackboard.

Q: Can you download a file from the Web and save it on your own computer?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: Being able to download a file and save it to your computer is an essential skill in the class. File organization is also very helpful.
If wrong: You won't be able to succeed in the class without these basic skills.

Q: Can you attach a document to an email message?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: Good! Attaching files to emails is a great way to share your work with me and your classmates.
If wrong: If you don't know how to do this, learn before the beginning of class.

Q: Can you cut, copy, and paste from one program to another?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: Even though these skills are not required for the class, they will make your work easier.
If wrong: Don't worry. You can learn these skills fairly easily.

Q: Have you ever taken an online course as a student?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: It isn't necessary, but it's useful to have had some online experience already.
If wrong: Welcome to the world of online learning!

Q: Are you familiar with Blackboard software?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: There are free instruction sessions on campus. Look under the Resources and Help link in the left-hand navigationfor Blackboard Help.
If wrong: If you have never used Blackboard, you will likely want to take advantage of the free instruction offered on campus through the Distance Learning Department. Click on the Resources and Help link in the left-hand navigation for Blackboard Help.

Q: Do you check your WCC email regularly?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: Great! It is important to check your WCC email at least 3-4 times a week (or even daily!). Many students find it helpful to have their WCC e-mail forwarded to their regular email account, so they only have to check one email account. To find out how, click on the Resources & Help link on the left-hand navigation. It is under "Computer and Online Resources" at WCC; look for Email Accounts.
If wrong: Even if you usually use another email address, it's vital that you check your WCC email often --- at least 3-4 times/week (daily is even better) since most of the communication for the class is through e-mail. Many students find it helpful to have their WCC e-mail forwarded to their regular email account, so they only have to check one email account. To find out how, click on the Resources & Help link on the left-hand navigation. It is under "Computer and Online Resources" at WCC; look for Email Accounts.

Q: Have you taken online quizzes, submitted papers online, or participated in a discussion board as part of a previous class?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: This is not required. I would just like to get an idea of the skill level of the class as a whole with online work.
If wrong: Don't worry, I'm happy to help you figure this out as you go along.

Q: Do you believe that high-quality learning can take place without face-to-face interaction with your teacher?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: Although I am always available to talk with you via email or office hours, the majority of your learning time will involve you going to the course Blackboard site and figuring out what to do for that week's online class. This requires a lot of initiative on your part and the ability to read and absorb the material presented in your textbook and online.
If wrong: This might mean that a more traditional class would be a better fit for you.

Q: Do you believe increased learning can occur when work/life/knowledge experiences are shared among peers?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: You will be able to work with your peers, giving each other feedback even in the online portion of the class. Hopefully we will all learn from each other and be able to practice how to give and receive helpful feedback.
If wrong: Washtenaw students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and it has been my experience that the whole class has benefited from sharing those life/work/education experiences with each other.

Q: Can you dedicate 4-6 hours a week (any time during the day or night) to participate in the online learning process?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: Good! Your success will depend on your ability to devote the time needed to the class. Online classes will take you MORE time than a traditional class.
If wrong: This is not the class for you if you are very tight on time. This class offers flexibility, but takes more time than a traditional class. It is often quicker to have an instructor explain things than it is to read detailed instructions and follow them. In addition, there are sometimes technical problems that make doing the work time consuming and frustrating.

Q: Are you willing to contribute to online discussions boards and interact with other students online?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: Great! You will get more comfortable and proficient in doing this as you participate in online discussions and group work.
If wrong: Your participation in the discussion boards is a basic requirement for the class, and you will get more comfortable doing it as you practice.

Q: Are you able to create schedules for yourself and stick to them?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: Being organized and disciplined will help you succeed in this class.
If wrong: If you are disorganized or undisciplined, it will be easy for you to get behind in your work for the class. Since this class is 100% online, your success depends on you taking the initiative to log on and do the required work without a lot of prodding or reminders; you won't succeed without the ability to organize your time and keep track of deadlines.

Q: Are you comfortable communicating your thoughts and ideas through writing?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: Great! You will have many opportunities to write!
If wrong: This course involves a lot of writing; so if you aren't comfortable communicating in writing yet, you will be by the end of the course!

Q: Do you want to hone your critical thinking and problem solving skills?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: You will have a lot of opportunity to reflect on what you think and why as you work on writing assignments, research topics, and participate in discussions. The process of writing about your ideas will help you think about them critically.
If wrong: This course may challenge you as you are asked to think critically for a number of writing assignments and discussions. It is a real opportunity to gain new understanding and insight if you approach your coursework and classmates with respect and a genuine curiosity to learn.

Q: Are you willing to spend time and effort to figure out how to learn in an online environment?
- True
- False
A: False
If right: If you aren't afraid to ask questions and get help, you'll do very well in the class. Sometimes that means contacting me, your instructor. And sometimes that means contacting Blackboard Help or a classmate for help depending on your question.
If wrong: Students who get stuck and don't ask for help when they experience frustrations that come with an online learning environment usually don't succeed in the class. There is a lot of help available, but you have to be proactive in getting help when you need it.