Do I Have the Technical Skills?

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

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 cd, usb key 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 30-40 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 log on 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 email messages?
                                      		  

                                      yes
                                      no

                                      		  
                                      Can you distinguish between an email 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, multimedia computer stations, and CD ROM 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?
                                                        		  

                                                        yes
                                                        no

                                                        		  

                                                         

                                                        Score  

                                                        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 COD online course.

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

                                                        21 - 17: Fair. Your Technical Skills may be marginal and your lack of skill in technical areas of using a computer to communicate and navigate the Internet may possibly jeopardize your ability to complete the course successfully.

                                                        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.

                                                        COD Online | Computer & Internet Experience Succeeding in an Internet Course

                                                        Copyright 2000 College of DuPage Center for Independent Learning & Instructional Center (IC), Room 200 (630) 942-2084