Test of Online Skills

To succeed in an online course, certain computer skills are required.  Please answer the following questions to determine whether your computer skills are sufficient to enroll in an online course. When finished, click the Score button at the bottom of the page.

  1. Can you use a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape?
     Yes No
       
  2. Can you use a word processing program such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Works, or WordPerfect?
     Yes No
       
  3. Are you comfortable using more than one program at a time or viewing more than one web page at a time?
    Yes No
       
  4. Can you send email with an attachment?
     Yes No
       
  5. Can you cut/copy and paste text?
     Yes No
       
  6. Can you download and install a computer program or plug-in?
     Yes No
       
  7. Are you comfortable learning a new computer program?
     Yes No
       
  8. Are you comfortable using online Help or a manual to solve problems and answer questions?
     Yes No
       

Your total score is
Total score between 4 and 8
Total score below 4
Your computer skills are probably adequate for online courses. You may wish to read the explanation of questions. You may have difficulty with online courses. Look over your responses to questions 1, 7, and 8.   If you answered yes to these questions, you may succeed in an online class.  Review the explanation of questions before making a final decision.

Explanation of Questions

Thank you for completing the test of your computer skills.  Below, you will see the questions you have just answered and some information about what your responses may mean.

  1. Can you use a web browser such as Netscape Communicator or Navigator, Internet Explorer, or AOL?
    Online courses are delivered over the web using platforms such as Blackboard, WebBoard or WebCT; thus, the ability to effectively use a web browser is extremely important. We recommend that you take an on-campus Information Systems course such as IS 11 or IS 15.   However, arriving at this point indicates sufficient skills.
  2. Can you use a word processing program such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Works, or WordPerfect?
    Depending on the course selected (for example, English 1A), requirements may involve extensive use of a word processing program.
  3. Are you comfortable using more than one program at a time or viewing more than one web page at a time?
    Blackboard or WebBoard, the software used for these online courses, frequently displays content in a new browser window.  It also may be useful to have a word processing program open while working in the course software to copy and paste writing assignments.
  4. Can you send an email message with an attachment?
    Many instructors prefer to have written assignments sent as email attachments rather than entered directly into the Blackboard or WebBoard platform.  Assignments submitted this way retain most of the original formatting.  Attaching a file is very similar to opening a file.
  5. Can you cut/copy and paste text?
    When entering written assignments directly into the Blackboard or WebBoard platform, you may wish to type the text in a word processing program and then copy it into Blackboard or WebBoard.  Typing in a word processing program allows you to utilize features such as spell check and thesaurus, as well as to complete much of your work off-line freeing your phone line and reducing connection charges.
  6. Can you download and install a computer program or plug-in?
    These online courses require several free browser plug-ins that are available at the course entry page. Read more about plug-ins and downloading from the web.
  7. Are you comfortable learning a new computer program?
    Success in an online course depends upon learning to use the course software. Although Blackboard or WebBoard are relatively simple to use, students may have difficulty with the course if they are not able to learn the software on their own or are intimidated by learning new software.
  8. Are you comfortable using online Help or a manual to solve problems and answer questions?
    The most successful distance learners are independent and proactive about their education. Being willing and able to consult an online tutorial or help, and/or the software manual is indicative of these qualities. Most questions about using the course software will be answered by these sources.  If you do get stuck, assistance is available from Blackboard or WebBoard and Reedley College.

If you believe your computer skills are adequate for an online course, you are ready for the next step.

If you do not feel confident in your computer skills, you can learn more about other campus-based courses and programs offered by Reedley College.

What Do I Do Now?

Now that you have completed the self-assessment segment of the Orientation, it is important that you make a decision before proceeding further.  Your options for your next step are indicated below. Click on the link that appears to be most appropriate for you.  Each option will you link you to another site that will assist you with your decision.