PCC > Academics > Virtual Campus > Faculty/Staff Resources > Online Teaching Survey

Are you right for teaching online?

An online instructor plays a vital role in developing and maintaining an effective online learning environment and must possess a unique set of tools to perform successfully. Some highly seasoned instructors from the traditional classroom environment can/will easily adapt to the online model, while others may find the transition challenging at first. Reflect on your teaching style, circumstances and technical skills to see if teaching online is right for you.

Computer Skills Assessment:
1. Do you have (or are you willing to obtain) access to a computer and internet connection at home?	Yes No
2. Are you willing/capable of upgrading your computer equipment and/or to purchase new software/hardware if needed?	Yes No
3. Do you know how to use email and to access the web using a browser?	Yes No
4. Can you download a file from the web and save it on your own computer?	Yes No
5. Can you attach a document to an email message?	Yes No
6. Can you cut or copy and paste from one program into another?	Yes No
Experience in the Online Learning Environment and Qualifications:
7. Have you ever taken an online course as a student?	Yes No
8. Have you used email or a listserv as an important part of your teaching?	Yes No
9. Have you used web pages to supplement your in-class course?	Yes No
10. Have you used online quizzes, discussion boards or a chat room as part of your teaching?	Yes No
Attitudes Towards Teaching and Learning in the Online Environment:
11. Do you have practical/professional experience in the subject matter you want to teach online?	Yes No
12. Do you believe that high-quality learning can take place without interacting with your students face-to-face?	Yes No
13. Do you believe that lecturing is the best method for delivering education in your field?	Yes No
14. Is discussion an effective teaching strategy for your subject matter?	Yes No
15. Do you believe it is important to structure activities so that students can learn from each other?	Yes No
16. Do you believe increased learning can occur when work/life knowledge experiences are shared among peers?	Yes No
Teaching Style and Habits Needed to Teach Online:
17. Can you dedicate 4 - 6 hours a week (any time during the day or night) to participate in the online teaching process?	Yes No
18. Are you willing to log on and contribute to your online classroom discussions and interact with students online at least 5 times a week?	Yes No
19. Are you able to create schedules for yourself and stick to them?	Yes No
20. Are you flexible in dealing with students' needs (due dates, absences, make-up exams)?	Yes No
21. Are you comfortable in communicating almost entirely through writing?	Yes No
22. Are critical thinking and problem solving important skills for your students?	Yes No
23. Are you willing to complete a two-week, free online training program in preparation for teaching your course online?	Yes No
24. Are you willing to spend time rethinking and redesigning your teaching materials to fit the needs of the online environment?	Yes No
25. Are you willing to invest time in professional development to continue learning new online teaching and/or technical skills in the future?	Yes No