Technical Skills survey
Do you have the basic technical skills to be an online student?

Do you have the basic technical skills to be an online student? The virtual classroom requires a set of skills that are very different from the traditional classroom. Find out if you have these skills by completing the survey below.

True False    I know how to copy and paste information between different documents.
True False    I've never created a Web page.
True False    I know how to upload and download files using FTP.
True False    I don't understand how to compress files.
True False    I have problems knowing when, where and how to save my computer work.
True False    I can save a word processor document in a different format, e.g., as a Web document.
True False    I know how to protect a computer from viruses.
True False    A domain is the same as a URL.
True False    I know how browsers are used.
True False    I know how browsers are upgraded.
True False    I'm not sure how to install downloaded software.
True False    I've never "surfed the 'net."
True False    Hyperlinks "point to" Internet resources, such as Web documents.
True False    I've never bookmarked a Web page.
True False    I'm not sure how Internet search engines are used.
True False    Plug-ins extend a browser's functionality.
True False    I understand the format of E-Mail addresses.
True False    I've used E-Mail.
True False    I've attached a file to an E-Mail message.
True False    I'm not sure how to insert a hyperlink into an E-Mail message.
True False    I know how a chat room is used.
True False    I don't know how to find someone's E-Mail address.
True False    I don't understand E-Mail distribution lists.
True False    I don't know how a discussion board is used.
True False    I am familiar with NAU's computer virus information.
True False    I'm not sure whether my browser meets the minimum requirements for WebCT (an online-course environment).
True False    I have not accessed the Lumberjack's On-line University Information Environment (LOUIE)
True False    I know the steps to insure that JavaScript is switched on.
True False    I'm not sure how to insure that browser cookies are turned on.
True False    I know the minimum system configuration for Web-based courses.
True False    I don't know the minimum system configuration for Webcasting.
True False    I'm not sure how to get connected to the Internet.
True False    I understand the minimum browser requirements for Web courses.
True False    I can easily find the ITS software Web page.
True False    I know how to download and install the most commonly used browser plug-ins.
True False    I know all the services a Dana account provides.
True False    I know the purpose of LOUIE.
True False    I don't understand the characteristics of Dana passwords.
True False    I've never used Webmail.
True False    I know how to use Dana's hint-answer utility.
True False    I know the location of ITS's Frequently Asked Questions.
True False    I'm not sure what information is needed before calling the Academic Computing Help Desk.
True False    I know where to get technical assistance from NAU.
True False    I don't know how to contact the Academic Computing Help Desk.
True False    I undertand what the Cline Library offers online students.
True False    I have seen the main, helpful course-related and NAU links.
True False    I know how to locate detailed information about the liberal studies Electronic Portfolio.

Return to previous

Adapted from "What Makes a Successful Online Student?"