This, it seems to us, is one of the most important questions we need to ask as teachers of online courses if we want as many of our students to succeed as possible. However, our study also suggests that this is one of the most difficult questions to answer. Early in the semester, we asked our students to write a brief technoliteracy autobiography, explaining their experiences with and attitudes about writing, computers, computers and writing, and distance education. What follows are excerpts from their responses, with the course grade they ultimately earned in parentheses:
"As far as computing experience goes, I have lots of it. This is my first internet course and I'm excited about not having to attend actual class." (W)Of these six students who expressed enthusiasm and confidence about the upcoming online experience, three ended up withdrawing from the course. Conversely, the one student who expressed the most initial trepidation passed the course:"This is my first internet class. I use the computer for all my communication and research. I'm excited about the new experience this class will bring." (B)
"I consider myself to be knowledgeable about computers. . . I think the idea of online classes is superb." (W)
"This is my second semester of internet classes combined with regular classes. I love writing, and love even more to write on the computer." (W)
"I absolutely love my computer and internet classes. I have taken a previous English literature course over the Internet. I loved it because it seems like posted discussions are more in depth because you can read and re-read someone else's thoughts. I love English in general." (A)
"This is my first time taking an online course. Though I like using computers, the main reason I decided to take this course is because I feel like talking online (rather than in- person) will actually help me in my class participation. I feel that it is much easier to participate in class when people can only judge you by your words. Also, there is a lot less pressure on the speaker when he/she isn't physically placed in a situation where he/she has to stand alone and give presentations or advice." (A)
"I am horrible with computers! I rarely even turn on a computer. . . Writing with computers makes me nervous. . . I struggle with English more than any other subject" (C)
Clearly, it seems impossible for teachers or students themselves to predict performance at the onset of an online writing course. This seems to hold true even for those students who self-assessments are more temperate:
"I am a full time nanny. . . Computers I think are evil but at the same time incredible. . . The only time I use the internet is to check my email." (A)These comments show how difficult it is to identify at-risk online students. Students who came into class with confidence and computer skills received both A's and W's. Some students who expressed trepidation about taking online courses and admitted to having little computer experience withdrew, while others passed with flying colors. Clearly, students' own opinions about their readiness for online education are not a consistent indicator of how well they will actually perform in our courses. In retrospect, the technoliteracy autobiography may not have been sufficiently comprehensive to gather the necessary information. Teachers may want to consider the more detailed survey options that are available in some courseware packages."I have to say, that I should be more technically savvy than I am. When I went to college for my first degree, I only used the computer for email and one again, papers. However, that all changed the minute I got my first taste of DSL. Oh my lordy! Now it seems that I spend more time on the computer than ever before. Have gone out and bought tons of software to fully take advantage of my computer." (W)
"My generation was told that computers were going to take over the world. I can honestly say that I was not a believer. Luckily, today, I am absolutely intrigued. I took a few computer courses in the 1980s, however since so much has changed in this world, the courses do not fulfill current requirements. I am self-taught on many programs, and the initial fear I felt looking at the monstrous contraption, has subsided. I have one word left to say: HELP!" (W)