Technical Skills Self Assessment


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



 yes
 no 

  1. Can you start up, reboot, and shut down a computer?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you start and quit a program stored on the hard drive?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you save and retrieve files to and from a floppy or the hard drive?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you cut/copy text from one source and paste it into another?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you open, close and minimize menus and windows?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you move windows around on your desktop?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you resize windows on your desktop?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you create folders?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you navigate a directory structure to find files?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you rename files?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you delete files?

 yes
 no 

  1. Do you have typing skills to produce at least 30-40 words per minute?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you create a word processing document using the various editing and formatting features?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you print a word processing document?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you use spell and grammar checking to revise your work?

 yes
 no 

  1. Do you know how to log on to the Internet?

 yes
 no 

  1. Do you know how to retrieve and delete e-mail messages?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you create, send, forward, reply and save email messages?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you distinguish between an email address and a web address?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you send group mailings?

 yes
 no 

  1. Do you know how to post messages to discussion lists?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you locate and access information using a WWW search engine?

 yes
 no 

  1. Do you know how to check the credibility of Internet resources?

 yes
 no 

  1. Can you use 'talk' or 'chat' features for real-time communication?

 yes
 no 

  1. Are you familiar with and do you abide by standard acceptable etiquette on the net?

 yes
 no 

  1. 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 

  1. Can you download and configure your web browser with plug-ins such as Real Audio and use the bookmark features of your browser?

 

       

 

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 DCC 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.