Getting Ready for Distance Education

Perhaps nothing is more true than the old adage that what you get out of something is in proportion to what you put in to it. What you learn is usually in proportion to the effort you make. I believe that, as I have seen it manifest in a variety of situations spanning more than 35 years in education..
In distance learning and on-line courses, there is no substitute for effort and the ability to work independently. Distance learning may be thought of as a change in the locus, venue and perception of where instruction takes place. However, to benefit from distance learning, you must have a temperament that reflects a mix of self-confidence and the ability to seek, analyze, and synthesize appropriate information without constant face-to-face feedback. In a sense, those who profit most from distance education are those who have heightened senses of autonomy.
I have taught distance education courses since the Spring Semester of 2000. The courses I taught were on the subject of curriculum at the graduate level and social studies methods at the undergraduate level. From my experiences with students in these courses, I came to some conclusions about the temperaments that successful distance learners have. The instrument below is a result of my conclusions. It does not ask you whether you like computers, technology, or the Internet. It is meant only as a general guide. Use it for whatever purposes benefit you.
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!
1. - Never2. - Very infrequently3. - Sometimes4. - Frequently5. - Always