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.

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 engagedwith 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

Click on your answer to each yes or no question below to track your result.

3. When asked to use software or technologies that I haven't used before (such as e-mail, voice mail or anew 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 writtenclassroom 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.

Apply or Just Take a Course… WELCOME to Brandeis GPS

Brandeis University Division of Graduate Professional Studies 1/27/2014

If you answered 'Yes' to all or most of these questions, you are ready to begin an Online Learning Course with Brandeis GPS!