Is an online composition course for you? How well will it fit your circumstances and your lifestyle? Circle one answer for each question, score the evaluation as directed, and assess how well Online 122 would fit your needs.

1. My need to take this course now is ...
A. high - I need it immediately for degree, job, or other important reason.
B. moderate - I could take it on campus later.
C. low - it's a personal interest that could be postponed.

2. Feeling that I am a part of a class is ...
A. not particularly necessary to me.
B. somewhat important to me.
C. very important to me.

3. I would classify myself as someone who...
A. often gets things done ahead of time.
B. needs reminding to get things done on time.
C. puts things off until the last minute.

4. Classroom discussions are ...
A. rarely helpful to me.
B. sometimes helpful to me.
C. almost always helpful to me.

5. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer ...
A. figuring out the instructions on my own.
B. trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed.
C. having the instructions explained orally first.

6. I need faculty comments on my assignments ...
A. right away, or I get very frustrated.
B. within a few days, or I forget what I did.
C. within a few weeks, since I can review what I did,

7. Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on a composition course is...
A. more than enough for a campus class.
B. the same as for taking a class on campus.
C. less than for taking a class on campus.

8. When I am asked to use VCRs, computers, voice mail or other technologies that may be new to me ...
A. I look forward to learning new skills.
B. I feel apprehensive, but try anyway.
C. I put it off or try to avoid it.

9. As a reader, I would classify myself as ...
A. good - I usually understand the text without help.
B. average - I sometimes need help to understand the text
C. slower than average.

SCORING: Add 3 points for each A that you circled, 2 points for each B, and 1 point for each C. If you scored over 17, Online 122 is a real possibility for you. If you scored between 8 and 17, Online 122 may work for you, but you need to make a few adjustments in your attitudes and planning to succeed. If you scored 8 or less, Online122 may not currently be a suitable option for you - talk to me before you enroll.

Some points for you to consider:

1. Distance learning coursework can be neglected because of personal or family circumstances, unless there are compelling-reasons for completing a course.

2. Some students prefer the independence of distance learning; others find it uncomfortable.

3. Distance learning courses like Online 122 give you greater freedom to schedule your work, but they also require more self-discipline.

4. Some people learn best by interacting with other students, but courses like Online 122 do not afford as much opportunity for this type of interaction.

5. Distance learning courses require you to work from written directions, without face-to-face explanations by the instructor.

6. Online 122 requires at least as much time as attending classes and completing assignments for campus courses.

7. Online 122 uses technology for teaching and communication. You will need to be comfortable with up and downloading your assignments and moving them in and out of your word processing program.

8. Print materials are the primary source of directions and information in distance learning courses. Online 122 requires three trips to campus for orientation and exams. Only in special cases, such as students who are severely disabled or incarcerated, can exams can be taken with a proctor.

9. Most on-campus composition classes give students the chance to develop four English skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This online class concentrates on the first two, so if you need practice in speaking English or understanding spoken English, you would benefit more from an on-campus class.

Online guides for writers:

Purdue's online resources for writers
Capital Community-Technical College's guide to grammar and writing
Jack Lynch's guide to grammar and style (Rutgers)
Common errors in English (and non-errors to which some English teachers object)