Online Learning Readiness Assessment for Graduate School

Are You Ready for Online Learning?

Take our quick, interactive self-assessment to find out! This quiz looks at four key areas—technical skills, study habits, communication and learning style—and gives you personalized feedback to help you prepare for success in an online graduate program.

Your results aren't a pass or fail. They’re simply a snapshot of where you are today and what skills you can strengthen to thrive in an online master's degree program.
 

Point Scale

Award yourself the following points when answering individual questions in each of the four sections of the questionnaire below, and then compare that section’s total points to the rubric:

Your Answer                    Points

Always/Often                  2 points

Sometimes                        1 point

Rarely/Not at all             0 points
 

Technical Abilities

1. I am comfortable using a computer and working with various applications.
2. I have regular access to the Internet.
3. I am able to use web browsers to research information.
4. I can confidently write and format documents using a word processing program.
5. I use technology (e.g., email) to communicate.
6. I have used Internet chat programs.
7. I can download and install programs onto my computer.

Technical Abilities Scoring – Total Score

Point Total       Outcome

10-14 points     You appear technically proficient for online learning

7-9 points        You know quite a bit about technology but could sharpen your abilities for online learning

0-6 points        Your technical abilities appear below the norm for a first-time online learner
 

Study Habits

1. I am comfortable working and learning independently.
2. I strive to do well in my coursework.
3. I do not procrastinate about beginning my coursework.
4. I turn in assignments on time without reminders.
5. I take notes on my text readings or from viewing audio or video clips.
6. I persevere when confronted with challenges.
7. I enjoy interacting with fellow classmates either individually or in group projects.

Study Habits Scoring – Total Score

Point Total          Outcome

10-14 points        You appear to have good study habits for success in online learning

7-9 points           You have basic study habits but could sharpen them for successful online learning

0-6 points           Your study habits appear below the norm of successful online learners
 

Communication Skills

1. I am comfortable communicating with others in writing.
2. I am confident with my writing skills.
3. I have used email to contact an instructor.
4. I have used electronic methods to communicate with other students for a group project.
5. I have participated in threaded, asynchronous discussions.
6. I am very comfortable with online communications and am comfortable in an online environment.
7. Reading and writing college-level English is easy for me.

Communication Skills Scoring – Total Score

Point Total       Outcome

10-14 points      Your communication skills appear well suited for success with online learning

7-9 points         Your communication skills could be sharpened for success in online learning

0-6 points        Your communication skills appear below the norm of successful online learners

Learning Styles

1. I prefer to see visual aids after reading written information.
2. I prefer working in a group environment.
3. I prefer learning about an interesting topic by having it explained rather than reading about it.
4. I do best in a class when I am able to listen to lectures and/or tapes.
5. I am better following oral instructions than written instructions.
6. I enjoy raising my hand in class to answer questions or respond to discussions.

Learning Styles Scoring (note the inverse scale) – Total Score

Point Total       Outcome

0-5 points        Your learning style appears highly conducive to online learning

6-9 points        Your learning style appears adequately aligned with what can be expected from the experience of online learning

10-12 points     Your learning style may be better aligned for styles of learning other than online learning

A note about learning style: Your score pertaining to learning styles is indicative of your preferred method of learning (visual, auditory, interpersonal, etc.). While there is no right or wrong way to learn, some styles are more conducive to what can be expected from online learning experiences.

*This survey was developed by Lesley University and is used with their permission (July 2014).
 

What if my Readiness Scores Are Consistently Low?

Low scores in the readiness survey may not indicate that you are not suited for online learning. Rather, low scores may suggest that you are not yet prepared for online learning.
 

What Can I Do if I Scored Low in One or More Area?

Contact our Admissions Office or call 1-866-752-0458 to discuss your results and your educational objectives. Keep in mind that the questionnaire is intended to merely benchmark your present technical abilities and readiness skills.