Web Site for the Official Student Newspaper of Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota Computer classes: Are they for everyone? Stefanie Peters Are you technologically challenged or are you computer savvy? Here is a quiz to help you find out. Here is how it works: If you respond “yes” to the statement give yourself two points, if you respond “sometimes” give yourself one point, and if you respond “no” don’t give yourself any points. (Statement number eight counts as one point.) • I accomplish assignments in advance or on time. • I have first-rate organizational skills and I plan effectively. • I’m willing to learn how programs on the computer work. • I am patient and don’t get frustrated easily. • I am able to access a computer and the internet on a daily basis. • I am able to communicate by email, and do so regularly. • I will be able to provide 12 to 15 hours a week to work on an online class. • I can perform the following computer tasks: o Turn my computer on, off, and reboot o Comfortably use a mouse o Create folders on the desktop and organize files o Find lost files on my hard drive o Create a new word processing document o Open, spell check and save a word processing document Computer classes: Are they for everyone? o Save files to the desktop (How to Be a Successful Online Student 2-3) • “I have the minimum system requirements, but if I do not have adequate software and hardware, I am willing to obtain or locate it” (How to Be a Successful Online Student 2-3). So, should you take an online course or not? If you scored: *0-6: No! There are many other avenues that you and Barret should go down, but this isn’t one of them. I think you would be better off taking classes on campus. You need structure, and at this point, you just don’t have what is takes to succeed in an online class. You need someone to keep you accountable. *7-12: You could take an online class or two, but you have to ask yourself, “Is this really what I want to do? Am I willing to not party all night in order to get all my online class work turned in on time? Am I willing to give up some free time to work out the computer glitches I WILL have? Keep your options open. Online classes could suit you. *13-18: Yes, I think you and Britney truly have to consider the possibility of trying several online classes. They fit you like a glove. You will be amazed how much you can learn through online classes. You will also reap the benefits of college through the comfort of your own home. Are you up for the challenge? The choice is yours!