C.O.D. Online

Self-Assessment Tool

The following self-assessment is provided to help you determine if you possess the technical skills needed to succeed in an online course.

yes no	Can you start up, reboot and shut down a computer?
yes no	Can you start and quit a program stored on the hard drive?
yes no	Can you save and retrieve files to and from a portable drive or the hard drive?
yes no	Can you cut/copy text from one source and paste it into another?
yes no	Can you open, close and minimize menus and windows?
yes no	Can you move windows around on your desktop?
yes no	Can you resize windows on your desktop?
yes no	Can you create folders?
yes no	Can you navigate a directory structure to find files?
yes no	Can you rename files?
yes no	Can you delete files?
yes no	Do you have typing skills to produce at least 30 to 40 words per minute?
yes no	Can you create a word-processing document using the various editing and formatting features?
yes no	Can you print a word-processing document?
yes no	Can you use spell- and grammar-checking to revise your work?
yes no	Do you know how to connect to the Internet?
yes no	Do you know how to retrieve and delete e-mail messages?
yes no	Can you create, send, forward, reply and save e-mail messages?
yes no	Can you distinguish between an e-mail address and a web address?
yes no	Can you send group mailings?
yes no	Do you know how to post messages to discussion lists?
yes no	Can you locate and access information using a WWW search engine?
yes no	Do you know how to check the credibility of Internet resources?
yes no	Can you use 'talk' or 'chat' features for real-time communication?
yes no	Are you familiar with and do you abide by standard acceptable etiquette on the net?
yes no	Can you locate and use appropriate computer resources and technologies (such as online catalogs, periodical indexes, full text resources, and multimedia computer stations) available within a library or media center?
yes no	Can you download and configure your web browser with plug-ins such as Real Audio and use the bookmark features of your browser?

Evaluating Your Score

Click the Calculate Score button above to see how many of the above questions you responded to with a "Yes." Use the following scale to assess how technically prepared you are to complete a C.O.D. online course:

27 - 22: Excellent
More than likely you have the necessary technical computer/Internet skills needed to enroll in an online course.

21 - 17: Fair
Your technical skills may be marginal for successful completion of an online course. Be prepared to allow yourself extra time for coursework. You may need to pick up new computer skills during the course.

16 or less: Need improvement
It is recommended that you access coursework, workshops or tutorials that will help you improve your basic computer and internet skills before enrolling in an online course.

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For more information,
e-mail codonline@cod.edu

or call (630) 942-2490.

For academic advising,
email Kara Molenhouse
molenh@cod.edu
or call 630-942-4890