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Union University

Adult and Professional Studies

SOAPS Readiness Survey

Review the feedback from each section below to help you determine if you are ready to begin online courses. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations as you decide. Contact the SOAPS Team if you have any questions or are ready to begin as an online learner!

Self-Directedness
Agree
Not Sure
Disagree

I am good at setting goals and deadlines for myself.

I have a really good reason for taking an online course.

I finish the projects I start.

I do not quit just because things get difficult.

I can keep myself on track and on time.

Based on your answers, you are self-directed, organized, and prepared for the challenges of working as an online learner.

Based on your answers, you are somewhat organized and can focus on completing tasks independently. You should continue enhancing these skills by setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and creating timelines, as these are important qualities in online courses. Contact the SOAPS Team for more strategies and techniques that could help.

Based on these answers, your organizational skills and focus may need to improve for you to be a successful online student. Including your time management skills and prioritization. Contact the SOAPS Team for more strategies and techniques that could help.

Learning Preferences
Agree
Not Sure
Disagree

I learn relatively easily.

I can learn from things I hear, like lectures, audio recordings, or podcasts.

I have to read something to learn it best.

I have developed good ways to solve problems I run into.

I learn best when I figure things out for myself.

I like to lean in a group, but I can learn on my own as well.

I am willing to send e-mail to or have discussions with people I might never see.

Based on your answers, you are a flexible learner. You are also confident in your problem-solving ability and working independently or in a group. These skills will help you to be a successful online learner.

Based on your answers, you are flexible in your learning preferences, somewhat confident in your problem-solving skills, and willing to work alone or in groups. You may encounter difficulties with some aspects of online courses that are impacted by your learning preferences. To be successful, you may need to expand upon your basic learning skills, such as reading, listening, writing, and problem-solving. Contact the SOAPS Team for more strategies and techniques that could help.

Based on your answers, the many forms of content utilized in online courses may not be suited for your learning preferences. Contact the SOAPS Team to discuss your current learning preferences and to determine if online learning is right for you.

Study Habits
Agree
Not Sure
Disagree

I usually study in a place where I can read and work on assignments without distractions.

I can ignore distractions around me when I study.

I am willing to spend 10-20 hours each week on an online course.

I keep record of what my assignments are and when they are due.

I plan my work in advance so that I can turn in my assignments on time.

When I study, people around me will help me study and not try to distract me.

I am willing to use e-mail and other online tools to ask my classmates and instructors questions.

Based on your answers, you are focused, can prioritize work, and meet deadlines, will take advantage of support offered, and will dedicate the time required to be successful in meeting your learning goals. All these skills will help you to be a successful online learner.

Based on your answers, you are aware of the study and time management skills need to be an online learner. Though you may not be following through. It is important to eliminate distractions and set a study location that is conducive to learning. Contact the SOAPS Team to help improve your skills in this area.

Based on your answers, you may need to strengthen your study and time management skills before enrolling in an online course. Contact the SOAPS Team for strategies and techniques that could help.

Technology Skills
Agree
Not Sure
Disagree

I am relatively good at using the computer.

I am comfortable surfing the internet.

I am comfortable conducting searches, setting bookmarks, and downloading files.

I am comfortable installing software and changing configuration settings on my computer.

I know someone who can help me if I have computer problems.

Based on your answers, you are a confident computer user with the skills to manage your computing environment, either personally or through help from sources. More details on student technology needs.

Based on your answers, you may need a little help managing your computing environment. Remember the SOAPS team (hyperlink) is here to assist you with your technology needs. More details on student technology needs.

Based on your answers, you may not have the necessary skills to manage in an online learning environment. You may need to enhance your skills before enrolling in an online course. Contact the SOAPS Team for assistance and find more details on student technology needs.

Computer Equipment Capabilities
Agree
Not Sure
Disagree

My computer reliably runs the MacOS 11 or Windows 10 (or higher) operating systems.

I have word processing and spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

I have broadband access to the Internet with a fast and reliable connection.

I have virus protection software running on my computer.

I have headphones or speakers and a microphone to use if a class has a video conference.

My computer/browser reliably plays multimedia and connects to services like Zoom.

Based on your answers, you have adequate computing capabilities. Computing requirements may vary by course. Contact the SOAPS Team for assistance and find more details on student technology needs.

Based on your answers, you may need some hardware upgrades or additional software installed to ensure the best online learning experience. Contact the SOAPS Team for assistance and find more details on student technology needs.

Based on your answers, you may not have the computing capabilities to be successful in an online environment. You should consider updating your technology before enrolling in online courses. Contact the SOAPS Team to discuss specific course technology requirements and find more details on student technology needs.

Are you ready to become an online learner?

Review the feedback from each section above to help you determine if you are ready to begin online courses. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations as you decide. Contact the SOAPS Team if you have any questions or are ready to begin as an online learner!

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Online Readiness Questionnaire by Penn State University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Original Work by Vicki Williams of Penn State University.