3. Be sure that your virus protection is up-to-date. Infecting anyone else's computer is a serious matter in an online course. Failure to submit or to take a scheduled quiz or exam because of a computer problem due to an infection is not a valid excuse.

4. Be sure that you make arrangements to use some other computer (SLAC lab or friend's or Internet Cafe computer) in case yours is on the blink. There are no valid excuses except medical with documentation.

5. Carefully read all of the information found below. Know what will be expected from you in a history course. Be sure you have the student fit required.

SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL

Internet courses are not designed to be easy. They are an alternate way of acquiring an education for the non-traditional student (ie. a working professional who needs a flexible schedule or a self-directed person who can't participate in traditional classroom settings). Use the checklist that follows as a self-appraisal tool.

Are you....

goal-oriented?
highly motivated?
self-disciplined?
focused?
resourceful?

In addition to the above, you will have to realistically assess your objectives and goals.

Is this History Internet Course for You?

Nothing is more frustrating for both students and instructors than discovering that an Internet course or a particular professor's instructional style does not fit a student's needs or learning style. Test your readiness for an Internet course and your compatibility with my teaching style. This quiz will give you (and me) a pretty good idea as to whether you are likely to succeed in this course. It is for my information only; I will not necessarily share a complete assessment with you unless it is an area of concern.

It is imperative that you read the ENTIRE self-assessment tool. Basically, this is what you are agreeing to be responsible for during the fast-paced flex term.

Part A: Computer Equipment, Software, and Knowledge
1. I have access to a reliable computer with a Windows 3.1 or higher operating system and service with an Internet provider. If my computer is on the blink, I know that that is not considered an excuse. I will make backup arrangements to use another computer if mine becomes unreliable or if my ISP service is interrupted for any reason.
2. I have access to a reliable printer.
3. I can save documents with an extension of .rtf if I do not have access to Microsoft Word.
4. I know how to use e-mail.
5. I know how to send attachments with my e-mail program.
6. I have antivirus software installed on my computer (or on the computer I have access to when doing class work) and know that keeping it updated is of utmost importance.
7. I know that I need to proofread all email messages so that the message conveys
what it needs to convey, without criticism or blame and is written in proper grammatical style--
no caps or all small letters, using capital letters, periods and complete sentences.
8. I do not spam my classmates and instructors with forwarded messages containing warnings, chain letters, or other non-academic (related directly to the course) information.

Part B: Student Qualities
1. I can motivate myself to complete reading and writing assignments without the reminders of an instructor.
2. I can read carefully and critically--taking notes while I read if that will aid retention.
3. I am a reliable person and can meet deadlines and manage my time well in the context of a course's framework.
4. If I don't understand reading content or instructions, I have no problem getting in touch with my instructor or a fellow student for help.
5. I am timely in responding to e-mail and check it on a regular basis.
6. I understand that history courses are some of the most demanding academic courses-with lots of time spent reading the material assigned and applying the content for expanded understanding of concepts and the overall historical context.
7. I understand and am comfortable with the fact that I will devote as much or more time to my studies in an Internet course as I would in a traditional course (at least 9 hours per week for a 16-week course, at least 18 hours per week in an 8-week course).
8. I am willing to complete additional reading or writing assignments to help me understand a concept I may not have grasped from the initial lesson.
9. I have strong support from my family, employer, and friends concerning my studies.
10. I have read the description for this course and understand what will be taught, how it fits into my major or the core curriculum, and how the course is similar to that which I would take in the traditional classroom but actually more demanding since the responsibility for learning the material falls mainly on my shoulders.

Part C: Instructor/Student Fit
1. If I had a problem (personal or technological) getting an assignment in on time, I would contact my instructor immediately.
2. I can accept a "no late work" policy regardless of my excuse.
3. I can give and receive constructive criticism.
4. I understand and am comfortable with the fact that it is my responsibility to take quizzes and/or exams during the scheduled period of accessibility. I must take responsibility for notifying the professor of a medical emergency and fax medical documentation within 24 hours in order to make up a scheduled quiz or exam.
6. If I am unable to continue with a course, I take responsibility for dropping the class.
7. I can give my school work the time and priority in my life that it deserves.
8. I understand the importance of doing my own work and learning from my mistakes as well as building on my strengths.
9. I can strive for better communication while trying to solve a course problem on my own, knowing I can contact the instructor for help if my own efforts are unsuccessful.
10. I am comfortable with the fact that a significant portion of my grade in this course will be determined by consistent and good quality time spent preparing for scheduled quizzes and exams. I understand that the key to successful completion in this course will depend on consistent immersion in the content to be learned.

Results:
Now that you have completed the assessment, you can make a preliminary decision about whether this Internet course is right for you. More specific information about the course is found in the professor's web home site.