Boston University Distance Education

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Is Online Education
Right for You?

Boston University Online offers an exciting and convenient way to learn, and we hope that you will join us as pursue your studies. Before you enroll, you should be sure that online learning is the right situation for you. We’ve created a short questionnaire to help you find out. The results are for you only and should help you decide if you wish to study online at Boston University.

When you have answered all nine questions, add up the score bu clicking the "Calculate Your Survey" button at the end of the questionnaire.

To me, having face-to-face contact with my instructor and other students is:
- Not very important
- Somewhat important
- Very important
As a student, I:
- Can do my assignments, stay focused on the course, and finish coursework ahead of time without being reminded by my instructor.
- Need help staying focuses and usually complete my homework at the last minute.
- Need a lot of assistance staying focused and motivated to complete my coursework.
Estimate your comfort level with using a computer to learn and participate in a course:
- I use a computer daily for work and other uses and am computer-literate.
- I have basic computer skills, I am sure I could figure out what I don't know with basic instruction.
- I’m not sure if my skill are up to date, and computers can frustrate me.
Estimate your comfort level with corresponding and discussing coursework online with your instructor and fellow students:
- I am already comfortable, as I correspond online with colleagues, friends, and family.
- I don’t have much experience online, but I think I could get used to it.
- I am not comfortable with the idea of discussing topics with students I never meet or see.
When an instructor hands out instructions for an assignment, I prefer:
- Figuring out the instructions myself.
- Trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed.
- Having the instructions explained to me in detail.
When it comes to assessing my own progress, I:
- Think I can keep tabs on myself, even without frequent feedback from my instructor.
- Prefer to receive regular feedback from my instructor, but don ’t mind if I can’t.
- Need to get feedback immediately after turning in a test or assignment. I need to hear from my instructor often.
I am interested in enrolling in an online course because:
- I need to complete a degree to advance on the job or get a new job.
- Taking courses on campus is inconvenient.
- I have an interest in the topic—I could take the course either on campus or online.
Considering my professional and personal schedule, the amount of time I can dedicate to an online course is:
- 10 hours per week, or more if necessary.
- 7-9 hours per week, and more if I know it ahead of time.
- 1-3 hours per week, I don’t have much more time than this.
My personal and professional schedule is:
- Predictable: I can generally plan, well in advance, blocks of time to devote to my coursework.
- Generally predictable, but sometimes last-minute meetings or events come up that I cannot reschedule.
- Unpredictable: I am seldom sure when I’ll have free time that I can set aside for my coursework.

What does your score mean?

Total of 23-27 points:

You are a good candidate for online study.

Total of 17-22 points:

You could be a successful online student.

Total of 16 points or below:

You might be more successful in a traditional classroom environment.

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