Is Online Learning Right for You

Are you ready for online learning? Is your learning style compatible with what is needed to be a successful e-learner? We have a short assessment activity to help you decide and a set of tools, tips and information to help prepare you for a successful online learning experience. Take the personalized assessment or follow any of the links below to learn more about becoming a successful e-learner.

Is Online Learning for You? Some Helpful Tips

There is a growing body of research pointing to the personal characteristics that help ensure you will have a successful and enjoyable online learning experience. These findings are summarized below. The assessment tool that follows will address many of these points and provide you with more a detailed assessment.

• Work Independently - e-learning requires that you study independently although you won't work in isolation.
• Self-Motivated - as with any learning experience, students who have a drive to learn and achieve will be successful.
• Reading and Writing Skills - these may be even more important than in the traditional classroom; these skills are necessary for you to communicate and engage in online discourse.
• Time Management - you must as an e-learner effectively manage your time for classroom activities and interaction, reading and responding to " posts" (communications from other students), writing, etc.
• Time Commitment - prior to beginning an e-learning course, be sure you have committed the necessary time; while convenient, e-learning does require a real commitment.
• Preparation - like any other course or learning activity, you need to be prepared, have met all course prerequisites, know the objectives of the course and have a plan.
• Comfortable with Technology - while you don't need to be a computer wiz, you do need to have a level of comfort working with a computer, a central tool in online learning.
• Appropriate Technology - while technology needs vary and are determined by the providing colleges and universities, a basic technology " system" is a must.

See if You are Ready for Online Learning

If you are interested in online learning, your first step should be a self assessment to see if you are ready. The Student Online Readiness Tool (SORT) can provide you with some valuable feedback you can use in considering whether e-learning is for you. It can also help you determine if you have the necessary technology and learner characteristics needed to be successful. The assessments include:

• Access to Tools
• Technology Experience
• Learning Preferences
• Study Habits
• Goals and Purposes
• Lifestyle Factors
• Personal Characteristics

Find Online Education and Training in Target Sectors

After taking the assessment, the Maine Online Learning Initiative can help you access online education and training programs in target industries. Get started by visiting the Workforce Online Learning Information Portal. Select "Maine" as your state of residency in the dropdown menu.