Is independent study a good choice for you?

With independent study, students must take charge of their learning. Classes are usually very different than traditional face-to-face classes in terms of how the material is presented, the nature of the interaction among class members, and the overall learning experience. Many students report that they actually learn more in distance education and online classes than in face-to-face classes and find the experience more rewarding. But these classes aren't right for everyone. Even if you are an excellent student, you may find that independent study and online classes are not compatible with your learning style.

Before you enroll in an independent study course please answer the questions below to assess your aptitude for this mode of learning. If you prefer a more formal assessment with scoring, the hyperlinks on the left will connect you to tools that may help you decide whether independent study is something that will work for you.

1. Do you have self-discipline and motivation?
   
   Unlike traditional courses in which the students and instructor meet face-to-face once or several times a week, most of the learning activities and communication in an online course are asynchronous, meaning that class members participate and complete their assignments at different times throughout the day and week. This arrangement can make it possible for you to do your class work when it's most convenient for you. However, with this increased freedom and flexibility comes responsibility. Without the structure of regular class meetings, it will be up to you to pace yourself and keep up with assignments.



2. Are you able to commit time each day or week to your online course(s)?
   
   Online courses often require at least as much, if not more time and commitment than traditional courses. Completing course assignments and other learning activities can take from five to fifteen hours or more per week. And you may find that you need to be online almost every day. In our courses, you should check your OU email account daily to keep up with communication from instructors and administrative support staff. Before enrolling, be sure you can set aside enough time to keep up with your daily or weekly assignments.



3. Do you read and follow instructions well?
   
   Online courses are reading intensive. In our courses, there is always a text book and study guide that must be read to succeed in the course. Even though there may be audio and video presentations within a course, there will be significant assigned readings and assignments using the text book. The lecture and discussions in a traditional classroom are almost always replaced with readings in an online course. Careful reading and following the course study guide and syllabus are critical to success in an online course.



4. Do you have good communication skills and enjoy expressing your ideas in writing?
   
   In online courses, nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that you feel comfortable expressing yourself in writing. If you feel that you are weak in this area, try to brush up on your writing skills and find out how much writing is required for the course before enrolling.



5. Do you feel comfortable discussing problems with your instructors?
   
   If you are having problems with the technology or the course content, you need to let your instructor and our technical support people know as soon as possible. Without this feedback, your instructor will never know what is wrong. Remember that many of the nonverbal cues that you use in the classroom to show frustration, boredom, or confusion (such as a yawn or a look of bewilderment) are not possible in an online class.



6. Will you miss the experience of sitting in a classroom?
   
   While the level of interaction can be very high in online courses, it is not the same face-to-face interaction. Some online students miss having the opportunity to see and listen to their instructor and classmates. If you feel that a traditional classroom is essential for learning or you want to experience campus and dorm life, online classes may not be right for you.



7. Are you comfortable using computers?
   
   The personal computer is the primary learning and communication tool in most online courses. You don't need to be a computer guru or a geek to succeed, but you do need to have some basic technology skills, such as word processing and using a Web browser. Needless to say, you will also need regular access to a computer with an Internet connection. And you will need to frequently check your OU email account.