WebCampus (Online Learning)

Online Readiness Quizes

If you are thinking about taking online classes for the first time, you may want to check out one of these mini quizes: "Is Online Learning Right for You" or the DEARS quiz below.



Getting Ready for Distance Education
Distance Education Aptitude and Readiness Scale (DEARS)


Dr. Bob Kizlik
Copyright 2001 Robert Kizlik
(Used With Permission)

Instructions: Below are statements that describe some of the more important characteristics of self-directed learners. Such learners have a certain degree of autonomy that predisposes them to be successful in a variety of learning contexts, including distance learning or distance education. DEARS is a non-scientific instrument and is intended only to provide general guidance for those considering taking courses or even obtaining a degree via distance education, regardless of the source. Here, distance education means any form of instructional delivery that does not involve continuous teacher student interaction in a face-to-face classroom setting. By assessing yourself on the DEARS statements that follow, you will get some idea of your predisposition and temperament for successful distance education experiences. Rate each statement according to the scale below. And by all means, be honest!

To complete the survey, answer the questions below on a separate piece of paper, recording the number you assign from the list below for each question, total the answers, and see list below for your score.

1 - Never
2 - Very infrequently
3 - Sometimes
4 - Often
5 - Always

____1. I take responsibility for my own learning.
____2. I am regarded by my peers as a self-starter.
____3. I can stay on task without constant feedback about my performance.
____4. I am a person who is curious about many things.
____5. I often figure out novel ways to solve problems.
____6. I enjoy helping others who have learning needs.
____7. Once I have goals or a set of objectives, I can determine what I need to do to reach them.
____8. I recognize and know how to use feedback about progress on a learning task that I have undertaken.
____9. I am good at visualizing how things would be when they are the way I want them to be.
____10. I am good at logistics. I can determine what is needed and devise a plan for getting it.
____11. I believe that knowledge is largely constructed by the learner, and that teachers are more facilitators for learning than dispensers of information.
____12. I understand how I learn best and often think of ways I can improve.
____13. I know what I believe but I am open to other opinions that may be contrary to my beliefs.
____14. I enjoy learning that is both interesting and challenging, and I am motivated in such situations to go beyond the minimum requirements.
____15. I am able to translate learning objectives that have been set for me into objectives that reflect my own personal style of learning.
______Total

Assessing The Results

The number you put on the Total line above is explained below. The maximum score you could have is 75. Obviously, the higher the number, the higher your potential to benefit from distance education experiences.

55-75: You should have no difficulty with distance education courses. You are a fairly autonomous person.
45-54: You will probably do well in a distance education course, but you will have to remind yourself to stay on task.
30-44: Distance education will be a challenge. You will miss the classroom interaction context a great deal.
29 and below: Distance education is probably not a good idea for you!


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