Is Individualized Instruction Right for You?
Will an Individualized Instruction (INI) course suit your needs? INI courses are self-paced, and they are often called distance education courses. Many of them are online or web-enhanced.
Do you “have what it takes” to succeed with a distance education format? Depending upon your personal needs and learning style, an INI course may or may not suit you.
Read through the following self-assessment prior to registering for an INI course to see whether self-paced learning is right for you.
- I am self disciplined and work well independently.
- I complete tasks and assignments on time, or ahead of schedule.
- I have good time management skills.
- I am successful in balancing priorities in my personal and professional life.
- I possess strong written communication skills.
- I am comfortable expressing myself using e-mail or web discussion forums.
- I do not necessarily require face-to-face interaction with the professor and/or other students to be successful.
- I can devote 6-8 hours per week to a 3-credit course.
- I have a computer and regular access to the Internet and e-mail.
- I am confident enough with computers to ask for assistance when needed.
- I am capable of downloading/installing software on my own with minimal assistance.
- I have a strong need to take a university course, either for a degree, for job or career advancement, or for other reasons that are very important to me.
If you found yourself disagreeing with several of the statements, you may want to reconsider your enrollment in an INI course. A face-to-face course, that is not self-paced, may better suit your needs and your learning style. If you found yourself disagreeing with a technology statement, you may want to consider computer training prior to enrolling in an online INI course. Traditional freshmen or sophomores admitted to a degree program at UMD should consult with their advisors before registering for an INI.
Individualized Instruction courses are not easy. Your professor will demand the same quality of work he/she would expect from you in a face-to-face course. You will need to commit a similar number of hours for study as you would for a face-to-face class. Your INI course may include deadlines and instructions for assignments, but there will not be anyone telling you to “turn in your assignments.”
INI course work is convenient. You do not have to commute to campus, and you can set your own schedule by working early in the morning, late at night, or anytime in between. Just remember no matter when you decide to study, your professor will hold you accountable. So study hard and have a great semester!