Pamoja Education - Preparing to be a successful online learner!

The following questionnaire has been designed to enable you to get a feel for the experience of online learning and identify any obstacles you may encounter on your journey. Completing this form will allow you to assess strengths and challenges in an online learning environment.

Personal Details:

Fill in your personal details

First Name *

Last Name *

Country *

City*

Age*

Current school year*

Name of school*

Is your school an IB school?* Yes No

Are you planning to enrol in IB Diploma Programme Courses?* Yes No

Email *

Email Verification *

1. My technology access is best described as:

I have reliable access to a computer and the Internet at school, limited access at home and I have my own email account.

You'll need to be able to download course material, get assignments and communicate with other students and your instructor. Having reliable Internet at home will allow you to be more flexible with your time management.

I have a computer at home with reliable Internet access, have my own email account and have permission to download files.

Great! You'll need to be able to download course material, get assignments and communicate with other students and your instructor.

I don't have a computer or an e-mail address.

It is important to have a computer at home, but you may be able to continue with the online courses if you seek extra assistance from your school or family to explore options linked to technology access and internet connectivity.

2. My technology skills are:

Very good. I can use e-mail, Web browsers, word-processing software, and can download files and create attachments. I like trying to solve technology problems on my own and don't get frustrated easily.

Great! These are all skills you'll likely need in any online course you take.

Average. I can use e-mail, Web browsers and word-processing software. I don't feel comfortable solving technology problems on my own.

It's good that you understand these basic skills and it would be wise to have a backup plan in case you have technology problems. You should have the skills to complete an online IB course, but remember to be patient as you learn new programs and techniques.

Very basic. I have used e-mail, Web browsers and word-processing software, but I get frustrated when things don't work the way they should.

You can do it, you may need more experience working online to develop technical problem-solving skills, but you can succeed with hard work and dedication. We will help you explore your new learning environment through an orientation process. Your online peers and teacher will also be on hand to provide support and guidance! Your school will be required to have a designated Site-Based Coordinator who will have received training in the online environment.

3. Face-to-face communication is:

Not essential to me. I am comfortable learning without face-to-face interaction.

Good. You'll feel comfortable in an online IB course.

Important to me and I wonder about my ability to learn without being able to see the teacher or other students.

Communication will be different but opportunities for real time communication will still exist and will be made available through live webinar sessions using Elluminate's web conferencing tool. All courses feature this communication tool. In an online IB course you can see the teacher and students, just in a new way.

Essential and I learn only if I can interact in person with the teacher and other students.

All is not lost! Your Site-based Coordinator will be able to provide you with support. Coaching will also be available from your fellow students. All courses feature forums and live webinar sessions where you will be able to discuss challenges and request support from your teacher and fellow students.

4. When I need help in class:

I feel comfortable asking questions and asking for help.

Great. It is your responsibility to speak up if you have any questions or concerns (that may be the only way the teacher can tell if you're challenged in any way).

I hesitate to ask questions of the instructor, but I will ask for help if I need it.

Great, it's good that you realize when it is important to speak up. It's likely that if the teacher doesn't hear from you he/she will assume you're doing fine.

I often feel intimidated asking questions or asking for help.

It is important that you contact your online teacher if you're having any sort of problem. Requests for support can be raised with your online teacher via discussion forums and the live webinar sessions. Your Site-based Coordinator will also provide you with additional support.

5. I would describe my personal style as:

Self-motivated, self-disciplined and organized.

Just what you need to succeed! Keep it up.

Motivated, but I need help remembering assignments and due dates.

Keep sharp! You may need to push yourself to complete assignments and manage your time carefully. Your Site-based Coordinator and your online teacher (and fellow students) will help you with your approach to learning.

Spontaneous and not too disciplined- I need someone to motivate me and help me stay on top of my coursework.

If you tend to procrastinate, watch out; online IB classes often require you to regularly participate in discussions and assignments in the classroom. Also, in online IB classes you have only yourself to rely on and can fall behind quickly!

6. My level of English can be described as:

English is my first language and/or mother tongue.

Learning and communicating in online IB courses requires much reading and writing in English; these skills are essential.

OK. I read well but I don't enjoy expressing myself in writing.

You may need to work on your writing skills in order to be successful in an online IB course. If you are unable to accurately express yourself it will be difficult to succeed.

Below average. I don't like reading and look for classes without a lot of writing assignments.

Online classes in English centre on reading and writing, in addition to collaborative work and contributing to discussions. If this is a struggle you will have more success taking online courses once you've improved your reading and writing skills. If you are taking a language course online that is not taught in English, your skills might be of an acceptable level.

7. When I am analysing class materials and expressing my own opinions about them I feel...

Confident; I can analyse class materials and formulate opinions on what I've learned.

Many online classes require you to evaluate material and give your opinion- you may enjoy this opportunity to express yourself and participate in discussions with other classmates.

A bit nervous; I can sometimes analyse class materials and form opinions but it is a struggle for me.

You'll need to decide if you feel confident enough to spend the extra time it takes to understand the material well enough to express your own opinion about it. You will have a safe learning environment, so don't be too scared.

... as I would rather do this with a group guiding me; analysing material is not something I do well.

Many online IB classes require you to evaluate material and give your opinion. You will have a group guiding you, but you will need to be self motivated to succeed.

8. Class discussions are:

Important to me and useful in helping me learn the information presented in class. I almost always participate in class discussions.

Great! You will probably really enjoy your online experience as discussions are a large part of many courses.

Somewhat important to my learning. I sometimes participate in class discussions.

Discussions are a large part of online courses. Discussions are an important part of online learning as it's the primary way that you "show up" for class. Discussions are not as scary as you think, if you like to text or chat with friends and family online, then it might be easier than you think.

Not very useful to me. I don't usually participate in class discussions.

Discussions are a large part of online IB courses. It will be important that you make an effort to participate; your teacher and classmates will be as supportive as possible. Discussions are not as scary as you think. If you like to text or chat with friends and family online, then it might be easier than you think.

9. When it comes to learning:

I welcome opportunities to learn new things and master new technologies.

Great. You'll really like online IB courses!

I'm not comfortable around new technologies, but I can learn.

If you're up for a challenge online learning may still work for you. Allow yourself ample time to work through any difficulties that may arise. Be patient, and use the help resources available to guide you.

I get very nervous around technology and would rather not try it.

Speak with someone at your school for advice, as it is critical that you are comfortable learning in an online environment.

10. I am considering taking an online course because:

I've taken an online class before and enjoyed the experience.

Super! Although classes may greatly vary you have a general idea of what to expect.

I'm curious about online classes and have room in my schedule.

Great. An online class will be different from your other classes, but you should find the difference a positive challenge.

I need the class for the fulfilment of my IB Diploma and I can't fit it in to my school timetable.

Knowing this course is part of your IB Diploma Programme, be aware as your workload becomes heavier. Often students find that their online IB course becomes the first responsibility to slip.

11. The academic calendar for Online IB Courses may not align with your school's academic calendar:

I am fine with this and will work on the online courses during my normal school holidays.

Great! When you take part in an international school such as ours, you will almost always have classmates who are on holiday. Because of this it is very important that everyone is dedicated to logging in to the courses regularly and keep the discussions going. Your required online coursework will not stop because your face-to-face school is on holiday!

I feel unhappy about this as I normally have plans for my holidays, however I can attend online classes.

Good! Your commitment to other international students, who may or may not have holidays at the same time as you, is very important. Logging in and taking an active part in the classes will help improve everyone's chances of succeeding.

I will not be able to access the internet during school holidays.

Getting online and taking part in group discussions and avoiding getting behind on school work is really important for your success. As an online student you must commit to making the time to accesses the courses during the Pamoja Education school year. If you have any plans that may interrupt your ability to regularly contribute to your online IB course, it is important that you discuss them with your online teacher and Site-Based Coordinator as soon as possible.

12. Does your lifestyle (family, work, or personal schedule) make it possible for you to participate outside of the normal school day?

Yes, I will be able to spend time on online IB coursework almost regardless of the time of day, such as during evenings and weekends.

Super! Because of the location of your fellow students some activities will be scheduled outside normal schools hours. When this is the case you will still be expected to login and participate.

Somewhat, I can move things around to fit the course schedule.

Great! Whilst it will not always be the case, you will still be expected to login and take part in the lessons.

No, I will only be able to attend online courses during the normal school hours.

If this is the case, you may find it very challenging to complete group work or assignments. To succeed you will need to be a little flexible in when you can get online.

Submit

Preparing to be a successful online learner!

Top Score

Medium Score

Low Score