Online Learning Readiness Survey

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Email address *
• I understand that I will take courses at NECI which will require both in-class and online coursework. *
  
• I understand that NECI online courses are intensive and can include upwards of 20 hours or more per week of supporting class time in order to be successful. *

Section I. Learning Style

Online learning is often text heavy, requiring reading of course materials, discussions, test questions, and emails online. You will interact with the course materials, the instructor, and your classmates by using email and the Internet. The following questions address your personal learning style.

1. 1. Face-to-face interaction with my course instructor is:
   A central and vital part of my learning style.
   Only somewhat important for me.
   Not necessary for my educational success.
2. 2. Participation in face-to-face classroom discussions and receiving feedback from my classmates is:
   A central and vital part of my learning style.
   Only somewhat important for me.
   Not necessary for my educational success.
3. 3. I consider myself to be:
   Someone who most often completes assignments on time or ahead of schedule.
   Someone who needs to be occasionally reminded of assignments and deadlines.
   A procrastinator who needs consistent reminding of assignments and deadlines.
4. 4. In all classes, I consider my reading skills to be:
   Above Average. I rarely need assistance in understanding the assignments or deriving meaning from the text.
   Average. Occasionally I need assistance in understanding the assignments or deriving meaning from the text.
   Below Average. I frequently need assistance in understanding the assignments or deriving meaning from the text.
5. 5. The type of learning environment I learn best in is:
   An independent learning environment offering self-taught learning classes.
   A student-centered learning environment where I am on my own, but have assistance when I need it.
   An instructor-led environment with all the materials explained to me in detail.
6. 6. For me, reading text on a computer screen:
   Is more convenient that reading a printed text book.
   Is about the same as reading a printed text book.
   Is difficult, so I usually print the screen.
7. 7. When assessing my own progress, I am:
   Able to accurately judge and keep track of my own progress.
   Usually able to judge and keep track of my own progress.
   Unable to consistently judge and keep track of my own progress.
8. 8. I understand information when it is presented:
   In a visual and auditory format (e.g., text, pictures, diagrams, videos).
   In a lecture format.
   I will need assistance with understanding information in an online course.
9. 9. When I do not understand an assignment, course instructions I contact:
   The instructor.
   Another student in the class or a friend.
   I do not contact anyone. I try and figure it out on my own regardless of the outcome.

Section II. Internet Use and Knowledge of Technology

To be successful in online learning, you should be comfortable using computers, email, creating, saving, editing, and emailing documents, using a web browser, uploading and downloading files, and navigating the Internet. The following questions address your knowledge and comfort with technology, email, and the Internet.

1. 10. When confronted with technology that is new to me such as discussion boards, chat rooms, computers, the Internet, or email:
   I jump right in. I love to learn new things. I ask questions and find the answer.
   I approach cautiously. I am somewhat apprehensive, but will explore a little.
   I delay. I really do not like to explore new technologies on my own. I would rather have someone show me how it works before I explore it further.
2. 11. Around computers, I am:
   Above Average. I can run applications, download and upload files, install and configure software, and do minor troubleshooting.
   Average. I can use word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word) and generally manage files with assistance from time-to-time.
   Below average. I have little to no experience in using computers.
3. 12. I use email:
   Daily. I am able to send and read messages, attach files, cut and paste text from a word processing document into an email, and open attachments easily.
   Periodically. I am able to send and read messages, attach files, cut and paste text from a word processing document into an email, and open attachments with some difficulty.
   Rarely or not at all.
4. 13. My experience with the Internet is:
   Above average. I frequently use search engines, do research using online databases and "surf" for fun. I am very comfortable with using the Internet.
   Average. I use search engines occasionally but usually "surf" for fun.
   Below average. I can "surf" but need assistance to navigate and know what to do.
5. 14. When asked to learn new software, I am:
   Excited. I jump right in and learn the new software.
   A little nervous. I may need some assistance, but I think I can do it.
   Overwhelmed. I prefer a lot of one-on-one assistance.
6. 15. My access to an Internet-ready computer is:
   Above average. I have access to an Internet-ready computer any time I need it.
   Average. I know where I can go and the hours of availability.
   Below average. I do not have one and do not know where I can find one.
7. 16. My typing / keyboarding skills are:
   Above average. I can type with ease and often do not have to look at the keyboard.
   Average. I am getting better.
   Below average. I cannot type, or I "hunt and peck" for keys.

Section III. Online Learning

Online learning places the responsibility on the learner to complete the assignments and to ask for anything that is needed or unclear. Online learning requires that you be a motivated, self-disciplined, independent learner who excels in time management and meeting deadlines. The following questions address your knowledge of and commitment to online learning.

1. 17. Based on my current knowledge of online learning, I expect the amount of time it will take to complete an online course is:
   More time than a course taught on campus.
   About the same amount of time as a course taught on campus.
   Less time than a course taught on campus.
2. 18. I understand the commitment required of an online course and will log in:
   Every day.
   As often as required.
   Once or twice per week.
3. 19. My approach to deadlines and due dates is:
   I never miss a deadline and often have my work completed ahead of time.
   I do not miss deadlines but tend to wait until the last minute to turn in an assignment.
   I have trouble tracking due dates and sometimes miss deadlines.
4. 20. When I come home from work or school:
   I will log into my class and determine what assignments should be completed.
   I will log into my class every few days to keep up with the assignments.
   I will wait until I have a day off to access my online course.

• I certify that all information submitted is my own work, factually true, and honestly presented. I understand that this document will become the property of New England Culinary Institute and will not be returned to me. *