Is Online Learning for me?

Prior to registering for any distance education course, each student should make sure that this method of instruction fits his or her learning style. Some people learn best by interacting face to face with the instructor and other students. To be successful in distance education courses, an online student should be self-motivated and be able to work well independently.

All students taking distance education courses are required to complete the SmarterMeasure Distance Learning Readiness Assessment. The SmarterMeasure Assessment takes 25 minutes to complete and includes five major assessment components that measure the following skills:

  • Reading comprehension
  • Technical competency
  • Individual attributes
  • Preferred learning style
  • Typing speed and accuracy

The scores from the assessment will not prohibit a student from applying for a distance education course.

The SmarterMeasure Assessment can be accessed by clicking here. Username is wiregrass password is wiregrass.

Student Technology Skills

The following computer skills are needed prior to taking online courses through WGTC. Students are responsible for assessing their own skill levels. If a student does not possess these skills, he or she may want to consider taking on-campus classes. Online instructors will not be teaching these skills.

Basic Skills

  • Be familiar with the operating system of the computer being used for class
  • Understand terms such as mouse, drag, open, launch, select, file, choose, double-click, download, upload, send, and so on
  • Save, copy, and find files/folders on external storage and hard drives
  • Download/upload files

Web Browser Skills

  • Go to a specific URL
  • Print a page
  • Follow a hypertext link
  • Conduct a basic search using a search engine

Word Processor Skills

  • Open a new or existing file
  • Save a file
  • Rename a file (Save As)
  • Print a document

Important!

Make sure you complete the SmarterMeasure Assessment and review the Online Student Manual before you register for an online or hybrid course.