Online Learning (OL) Self-Assessment Survey
Do you have the tools to succeed as an online learner? If the following statements apply to you, the answer
is probably YES. Click on your answer to each yes or no question below to track your result.
1. I would classify myself as a motivated and disciplined individual with good organizational skills.
Online learners need motivation and discipline to follow the weekly structure and stay current with
course activities and assignments.
Our OL students don’t “learn at their own pace.” Each week, students digest topics and content
presented in a variety of formats. After reviewing materials, students interact with instructor and fellow
students in the discussion forums. To create an active online discussion, students follow weekly due
dates for original responses and for substantive replies to discussion questions. Students also use the
course site to submit assignments according to a separate timetable.
Our instructors offer many tools to support your time management skills: the syllabus, weekly
checklists, the online calendar and instructor reminder posts help you organize your time.
Yes, I am a motivated & disciplined individual with good organizational skills.
No, that description does not describe me.
2. Given my professional and personal schedule, I have about 9 to 15 hours per week to spend engaged
with a challenging, high-quality graduate course.
Many students new to OL have the false impression that online courses are “easier” than their campus
course counterparts. In actuality, these are the same courses you’ll find on campus. Though the delivery
has changed, the course quality remains high.
Students spend approximately 9 to 15 hours per week on OL courses. Replace the time you would have
spent commuting to and attending a weekly, three-hour, on-campus class with reading course content
and interacting online. Of course, you get to choose where and when you do your coursework.
Yes, I have 9-15 hours per week to spend on a course
No, I do not have that kind of time.
Brandeis University
Division of Graduate Professional Studies
1/27/2014
3. When asked to use software or technologies that I haven't used before (such as e-mail, voice mail or a
new software product), I look forward to learning new skills.
Our students grow comfortable with OL technology and understand the steps to take when they need
help adapting or resolving a problem. We offer a wealth of tutorials and technical help to our OL
students. But when problem arise, we need you to speak up and take action.
Yes, I look forward to learning new technologies.
No, I do not feel comfortable learning new technologies.
4. I excel at visual learning; by reading course materials, viewing graphics and accessing written
classroom notes, I can gather the information I need to learn new skills and concepts.
People learn in different ways. By necessity, OL students learn visually, engaging with written
materials, graphics and discussions. The majority of our course content (including lecture materials,
assignments, discussions and chat sessions) is text-based.
We encourage you to think carefully about your learning preferences and explore our
OL orientation materials further to determine if you will excel in this learning environment.
Yes Yes, I excel at visual learning.
No, I do not feel comfortable with visual learning.
5. I have strong reading and writing skills; I understand most of what I read and express myself clearly.
Online learners need strong reading and writing skills. Because almost all student input is written, they
use clear writing communication to demonstrate knowledge, ask questions, and engage with others.
Furthermore, online learners read a lot. In addition to weekly text readings, course content includes
weekly online "lecture notes," supplemental readings, articles, case studies, discussion posts, and more.
Yes, I have strong reading and writing skills and can express myself clearly.
No, I do not have strong reading and writing skills.
Brandeis University
Division of Graduate Professional Studies
1/27/2014
6. My personal and professional schedule makes it difficult for me to go to a campus to take classes.
OL students enjoy a flexible learning schedule. Whether they travel frequently or live far from campus,
many professionals can’t commit to a weekly on-campus course is difficult.
As long you can access the web, you can participate in our OL courses from any location throughout the
course week.
Yes, it is difficult for me to go to campus to take a class.
No, I would have no difficulty going to campus to take a class.
7. I don't mind asking questions and sharing thoughts to address the questions of others.
In our OL courses, students learn collaboratively from the instructor and from one another. To enhance
learning, students ask questions to clarify their understanding, and by posting questions to the course
discussions, students learn from one another. Students and the instructor respond to the questions
posted, sharing insights and experiences.
Strong OL students are not "shy" about asking or answering questions, even challenging ones. They
recognize that sharing questions and responses gives everyone the chance to explore course concepts in
greater depth.
Yes, I don’t mind asking questions and sharing my thoughts.
No, I don’t feel comfortable sharing my thoughts or asking questions.
If you answered 'Yes' to all or most of these questions, you are ready to begin an Online Learning Course
with Brandeis GPS!
Apply or Just Take a Course…
WELCOME to Brandeis GPS
Brandeis University
Division of Graduate Professional Studies
1/27/2014