• your daily schedule conflicts with traditional class scheduling because of work or family obligations.
  
• you live far from campus or do not have a way to commute.
  
• your health or physical abilities keep you at home.
  
• you need a particular course during a quarter when the traditional course is not offered.
  
• your boss tells you that the only way you can get a better job is to pursue a degree.

BUT before you begin any distance learning course or program, be honest with yourself: do you have the discipline, self-motivation and computer skills that you will need to see it through?

Take the following simple quizzes to help you make an informed decision. If you discover that you are not a good candidate for distance learning, consider the Evening Program option

Instructions: Get a pencil and paper. Write the letter of the answer you choose for each question below, score the results and read an explanation of the questions in the analysis. To get the best results, answer the questions with complete candor.

1. My need to take a distance learning course is

1. high - I need it for graduation, my major or my job.
2. medium - I could take it later, on campus, or substitute another course.
3. low - it's for personal interest; I can take it anytime.

2. Feeling that I am part of a conventional class is

1. not especially important to me.
2. somewhat important to me.
3. very important to me.

3. When I have an important assignment to do, I usually

1. get it done ahead of time.
2. need reminding to get it done on time.
3. put it off until the last minute.

4. Classroom discussion is

1. not usually helpful to me.
2. sometimes helpful.
3. often very helpful.

5. When an instructor hands out instructions for an assignment I usually prefer to

1. figure out the instructions for myself.
2. try to follow the instructions on my own and ask for help when I need it.
3. have the instructions explained to me.

6. I like to get an instructor's comments on my exams and assignments

1. within a couple of weeks, so I can review what I did.
2. within a few days, or I forget what I did.
3. right away, or I get frustrated

7. Considering my schedule, the amount of time I expect to devote to a distance learning course is

1. more than enough time for a conventional class.
2. about the same time as for a conventional class.
3. less time than I would devote to a conventional class.

8. When asked to use computers, e-mail, voice mail, program my VCR or try other technologies new to me

1. I look forward to learning new skills, and usually master them quickly.
2. I'm a little nervous, but try them anyway
3. I put them off or avoid them.

9. As a reader, I am

1. Very confident; I understand textbooks easily, with little or no help.
2. average; sometimes I need help, or a tutor.
3. weak; I have trouble understanding textbooks, I depend on lectures, discussions and tutoring.

10. I can easily and conveniently get to the WVC campus

1. almost never...
2. evenings
3. most anytime

11. I have completed

1. more than 50 college credits.
2. 25 to 49 college credits.
3. fewer than 24 college credits.

12. My grade point average (GPA) is

1. 3.2 or above
2. 2.4 to 3.2.
3. Below 2.4
   

SCORING for GENERAL QUESTIONS

3 points for every "A"
2 points for every "B"
1 point for every "C"

If you scored

25 points or more, a distance learning course is probably a good choice for you.

16 to 24 points, a distance learning course may work for you, but with some adjustments in your schedule or study habits.

15 points or below, distance learning may not be a good choice right now. Check with your advisor about other WVC course options.

Explanation of questions:

1: Because of flexibility and freedom from some "time and place" requirements, motivation and self- discipline are very important for distance learning students. Usually when the need for the course is high, so is the motivation.

2, 4: Interaction between you and the instructor (and among other students) can be an important part of ANY course. In a distance learning course, interaction is seldom face-to-face, so opportunities for feeling "part of the group" are fewer.

3, 5: Distance learning requires self-discipline and working independently. Some people are comfortable with this, others are not.

6: Because of mail service, it can take time to get assignments to (and back from) your instructor. The use of e-mail can help speed this up.

7: Distance learning courses are as difficult and time- consuming as conventional courses or more so.

8: Distance learning courses use sophisticated communication technology. It helps if you're comfortable learning it.

9: Print materials (text, study guide, etc.) are primary means of information and direction in a distance learning course.

10: All telecourses require some travel to the Wenatchee campus. Interactive video courses are campus-based.

11,12: Students who have succeeded in a conventional course also tend to succeed in a distance learning course.

Definitions of terms:
Telecourse (video-taped course): A distance course which uses video tapes for the predominant portion of the course material.

Interactive Television: A distance course which uses K-20 or network-based video conferencing tools to distribute a significant part of the course materials.

Online: A distance course which uses the Internet and its applications to distribute a predominant portion of the course materials to students