eLearning - Things to Consider

To be successful at eLearning, you must honestly assess your ability and willingness to learn independently.

Anyone seriously intending to learn online ought to take the SmarterMeasure assessment before you register. It looks at key areas effecting success and helps you determine your readiness for online learning, presenting personalized feedback in an informative dashboard and report. Many resources are provided to help you improve, leading to a more successful experience.

To login to SmarterMeasure:

  • Browse to http://pierce.smartermeasure.com
  • Review the introductory info in the main area of the page
  • Click the larger button "Login for First Time Users>" In the box on the right
              • Select the username "New and Returning Students"
              • Enter the password "new-return2012" (without quote marks)
  • Complete the assessment following the prompts. It will take 30-45 minutes. You can stop, then return later using the PIN sent to the email address you've entered
  • Review the Report, reflect on your ratings and review the resources, particularly in any area with lower ratings.
  • Return any time you like, to download a copy of your report for instructors/advisors, or to look for useful resources.

Generally, eLearning students must be:

  • Self-motivated. With no regular class meetings or an instructor looming in front of a traditional classroom, successful eLearners have to rely on themselves to ensure their work gets done.
  • Willing and able to invest time. eLearning classes are as demanding as traditional, campus-based classes, so you should expect to make the same time commitment.
  • Organized. You must be responsible for your own work, schedule, and deadlines.
  • Comfortable with technology. Because eLearning relies entirely on various forms of technology, you should be prepared and well-versed in those technologies.
  • Independent and assertive. To be successful, eLearners must be willing to speak up when they need help, and be able to take charge of their education.

If you are unsure about eLearning and are just exploring at this time, complete this self-assessment. Answer the questions as candidly as possible and consider your results carefully when making a decision about eLearning. Should you decide to try eLearning, take the SmarterMeasure assessment following the steps above.

Note: This test is a self assessment tool for your personal use, it does not gather, send, post, or store any information about you or your results.

General Questions

  1. My need to take a eLearning course is:
    high - I need it for graduation, my major or my job
    medium - I could take it later, on campus, or substitute another course
    low - it's for personal interest; I can take it anytime
  2. Feeling that I am part of a conventional class is:
    not especially important to me
    somewhat important to me
    very important to me
  3. When I have an important assignment to do, I usually:
    get it done ahead of time
    need reminding to get it done on time
    put it off until the last minute
  4. Classroom discussion is:
    not usually helpful to me
    sometimes helpful
    often very helpful to me
  5. When an instructor hands out instructions for an assignment, I usually prefer to:
    figure out the instructions for myself
    try to follow the instructions on my own, and ask for help when I need it
    have the instructions explained to me
  6. I like to get an instructor's comments on my exams and assignments:
    within a couple of weeks, so I can review what I did
    within a few days, or I forget what I did.
    right away, or I get frustrated
  7. Considering my schedule, the amount of time I expect to devote to eLearning course is:
    more than enough time for a conventional class
    about the same time as for a conventional class.
    less time that I would devote to a conventional class.
  8. When asked to use computers, e-mail, voice mail, program my VCR or try other technologies new to me:
    I look forward to learning new skills, and usually master them quickly
    I'm a little nervous, but try them anyway.
    I put them off or avoid them.
  9. As a reader, I am:
    very confident; I understand textbooks easily, with little or no help
    average; sometimes I need help, or a tutor
    I have trouble understanding textbooks; I depend on lectures, discussions and tutoring
  10. I can easily and conveniently get to the Pierce College campuses or centers:
    most anytime
    evenings or Saturdays, if I schedule it carefully
    almost never; I would have great difficulty getting to campus at anytime
  11. I have completed:
    more than 50 college credits
    25 to 49 college credits
    fewer than 24 college credits
  12. My grade point average (GPA) is:
    3.2 or above
    2.4 to 3.2
    Below 2.4

Technical Questions

  1. I have owned and/or used a computer regularly:
    for over a year
    for between a month and one year.
    for a month or less.
  2. I have had an Internet service provider:
    for over a year
    for between a month and one year
    for a month or less.
  3. I would describe my e-mail skills as:
    advanced - I use e-mail daily in both conversational and more formal messaging
    intermediate - I use e-mail regularly in conversational messaging
    minimal - I am just learning to use my e-mail account
  4. I would describe my word-processing software skills as:
    advanced - I use a word processor daily to create advanced documents
    intermediate - I use a word processor regularly to write simple documents
    minimal - I am just learning to use my word processor

Contact eLearning

eLearning Office
Voice: (253) 964-6244
Voice (Toll Free): (877) 353-6763

Mary Davis
Program Support Supervisor
(253) 964-6244

Earl Sallade
Instructional and Tech Support
(253) 912-3768

Tony Grace
Retention Specialist
(253) 912-3778

Edward Bachmann
Director of eLearning
(253) 964-6377

Live Help

Student Support Chat