Are faculty ready and prepared?
Some institutions, such as Pennsylvania State University (PSU) and SUNY, have developed a faculty readiness assessment; the SUNY document is available at https://hybrid.commons.gc.cuny.edu/teaching/getting-started/faculty-self-assessment-preparing-for-online-teaching/. Does the institution have such an assessment or survey?
Without this readiness and commitment, distance education will not work or at best will result in a program of marginal quality. Just as the institution needs to be ready, it also needs to assess the students and potential student population for their readiness. That being said, the move to this method is moot for many institutions, because competition is forcing distance education solutions and most universities have already made this transition. In the corporate world (i.e., hospitals), it is also moot because of the need to provide mandatory training that takes into account employees working all shifts and all days. What is essential is the assessment of technologies necessary to deliver the training, resources necessary to make it happen, and trainer readiness to prepare the training materials.
Students (Learners)
Students who enter distance education courses need to consider their interest and ability to succeed in this learning environment. Inappropriate expectations about requirements for succeeding in these types of courses can lead to frustration and failure. Key questions include:
• What information does the institution provide to these learners to assess their readiness to learn in distance courses?
• Does the institution provide learners with a self-assessment tool such as Kizlik’s readiness assessment (http://www.adprima.com/dears.htm) or Cypress College’s readiness assessment (http://www.cypresscollege.edu/DistanceEdquiz/CCDERQ.aspx)?