The twelve questions in the self-test reflect some of the facts about taking distance education courses.

1. Do you need to take this course now?
   Sometimes distance education students may neglect courses because of personal or professional circumstances, unless they have compelling reasons for taking the course.
    
2. Is feeling that you are part of a class important to you?
   Some students prefer the independence of distance education courses; others find it uncomfortable.
    
3. How would you classify your work habits?
   Distance education courses give students greater freedom of scheduling, but they can require more self-discipline than on-campus classes.
    
4. How important is classroom discussion to you?
   Some people learn best by interacting with other students and instructors in person, but distance education courses often do not provide much opportunity for this type of interaction.
    
5. How dependent are you on oral directions and explanations?
   Distance education courses require you to work from written directions without face-to-face instruction.
    
6. Do you need immediate feedback on assignments?
   It may take as long as two weeks to get comments back by mail from your instructor.
    
7. How much time do you have to work on a distance education course?
   Distance education courses may require at least as much time as on-campus courses.
    
8. Are you comfortable with VCRs, computers, email, and other technologies?
   Distance education courses frequently use technology for teaching and telecommunication.
    
9. Do you learn well by reading?
   Printed materials are the primary source of directions and information in distance education courses.
    
10. Can you make on-campus meetings?
    Some distance education courses require on-campus meetings, orientation, review sessions, exams, or labs. Student schedule flexibility is important.
     
11. Do you have access to necessary equipment?
    To benefit fully from a distance education course the student must have convenient access to appropriate equipment.
     
12. What kind of environment suits your learning style?
    Distance education offers the ultimate in an unstructured learning environment, where the student is not bound to classroom schedules and procedures.