#NAEMSE09 Readiness for Distance Learning
Distance learning (online education) was a frequent topic during during break-out and general sessions at the National Association of EMS Educators conference in Orlando, Florida in late August. One of the questions was how do you determine if a student has the time, motivation, and skills to complete an online education program? Of course this depends on many variables.
Like learning style assessments, there are many web-based tools for students to self-evaluate their individual readiness for distance learning. Online educators should direct students towards a distance learning self-evaluation before the student completes the enrollment process.
A few of the distance learning readiness assessment I have found and reviewed include:
Distance Education Self-Screening Survey from Boise State University. This is a simple 6 question tool that guides students towards attempting an online course or sticking with a traditional classroom course. I am a bit skeptical of how this might predict actual success, but it may have utility as a rough sorting tool. Follow links on the site for more in-depth self assessment and information.
Distance Learning Self-Assessment Quiz is available at QunitCareers.com. According to the self-scoring explanation the “purpose of this quiz is to familiarize yourself with the traits of successful distance learners.” Again the intent is not predictive, but informative.
Self-Assessment for Distance Learning from the Oregon Education Network. This assessment asks yes/no questions in “four different areas: learning environment; life and academic skills; course expectations; and technology.” Like the other assessments this could be used at the start of a distance learning course to help set expectations for students to succeed in the course.
Readiness for Education at a Distance Indicator. “READI is not a predictive tool. Rather it is a diagnostic tool to identify students who are at-risk of not doing well in online courses due to measured sets of traits, skills and knowledge.” I hear from other educators that attrition in distance learning courses is much higher than comparable classroom courses. It may be worthwhile to use a fee-based assessment like READI to identify at-risk students and to steer them towards classroom based programs or provide greater support to their online success.
Finally, I was struck by the connection between distance learning and things like self-motivation, ability to dedicate time to studying, comfort finding reference materials, and ability to work independently. While these are certainly important to the distance learning student they are also important to the traditional classroom student. If your self-assessment reveals that you are without curiosity, unmotivated, don’t have time to study, and not willing to work independently you may wish to reconsider your education plans.
Related posts:
- Advanced Workshop for Distance Learning
- Knowing My Learning Style Helps Me Learn
- #NAEMSE09 Preceptor Prompting During Field Internship
Tags: Distance Learning, NAEMSE, Self Assessment, Survey
