Are You Ready to Take an Online Course?

The following self-assessment is provided to help students determine if they currently possess the technical skills needed to succeed in an online course. If there are areas in which you are unsure of your abilities, do not be discouraged. Contact us regarding your desire to enroll in a course and any concerns that you may have regarding the technology. We are dedicated to helping you determine whether distance education is right for you--and preparing you to succeed. Please click Yes or No for each question and then click the "Compute Score" button. Your score will then be computed to determine your abilities.

Yes No 1. Can you start up, reboot, and shut down a computer?
Yes No 2. Can you start and quit a program stored on the hard drive?
Yes No 3. Can you save and retrieve files to and from a floppy or the hard drive?
Yes No 4. Can you cut/copy text from one source and paste it into another?
Yes No 5. Can you open and close menus and windows?
Yes No 6. Can you move windows around on your desktop?
Yes No 7. Can you resize windows on your desktop?
Yes No 8. Can you create folders?
Yes No 9. Can you navigate a directory structure to find files?
Yes No 10. Can you rename files?
Yes No 11. Can you delete files?
Yes No 12. Do you have typing skills to produce at least 40 words per minute?
Yes No 13. Can you create a word processing document?
Yes No 14. Can you print a word processing document?
Yes No 15. Can you use spell and grammar checking to revise your work?
Yes No 16. Can you use spreadsheet software to create original spreadsheets?
Yes No 17. Can you use database software to create original databases?
Yes No 18. Do you know how to log on to the Internet?
Yes No 19. Do you know how to retrieve and delete e-mail messages?
Yes No 20. Can you create, send, forward, and reply to email messages?
Yes No 21. Can you distinguish between an email address and a web address?
Yes No 22. Can you send group mailings?
Yes No 23. Do you know how to post messages to discussion lists?
Yes No 24. Can you locate and access information using a WWW search engine?
Yes No 25. Do you know how to check the credibility of Internet resources?
Yes No 26. Can you use 'talk' or 'chat' features for real-time communication?
Yes No 27. Do you abide by standard netiquette?
Yes No 28. Do you practice ethical conduct related to copyright?
Yes No 29. Do you understand and agree to abide by Virtual University's acceptable use policy in relation to use of the Internet and other electronic technologies?
Yes No 30. Can you locate and use appropriate computer resources and technologies (such as online catalogs, periodical indexes, full text resources, multimedia computer stations, and CD ROM stations) available within a library or media center?
Yes No 31. Can you configure your web browser with plug-ins such as Real Audio?

For any questions about our program, please feel free to contact us at online@ship.edu