Kentucky Virtual Campus

Basic Computer Skills Test for Online Courses

  1. Can you correctly start up, reboot, and shut down a computer?
    Yes No
  2. Can you load, launch, and quit a program from the hard drive?
    Yes No
  3. Can you load, launch, and quit a program from a CD ROM?
    Yes No
  4. Can you save and retrieve a file to and from a thumb drive?
    Yes No
  5. Can you save and retireve a file to and from the hard drive?
    Yes No
  6. Can you print a word processing document loaded from a floppy or the hard drive?
    Yes No
  7. Can you adjust the settings for your printer?
    Yes No
  8. Can you use more than one program at a time?
    Yes No
  9. Can you highlight, cut/copy text from one course and paste it into another?
    Yes No
  10. Can you open and close menus and windows?
    Yes No
  11. Can you resize windows on your desktop?
    Yes No
  12. Can you create directories/folders?
    Yes No
  13. Can you find files?
    Yes No
  14. Can you rename files?
    Yes No
  15. Can you delete files?
    Yes No
  16. Can you create a document using a word processing program?
    Yes No
  17. Can you use spell and grammar checking capabilities of word processing software to edit and revise your work?
    Yes No
  18. Do you know how to log on to the Internet?
    Yes No
  19. Do you know how to read and delete email messages?
    Yes No
  20. Can you create, send, forward, and reply to email messages?
    Yes No
  21. Can you recognize the difference between an email address and a website address?
    Yes No
  22. Can you subscribe to and unsubscribe from a mailing list?
    Yes No
  23. Can you send group mailings?
    Yes No
  24. Do you know how to post messages to mailing lists?
    Yes No
  25. Can you locate and access subject-specific information using a search engine (Google, Yahoo, etc.)?
    Yes No
  26. Do you know how to check the credibility of internet resources?
    Yes No
  27. Do you know how to properly cite and credit electronic sources of information for footnotes, endnotes, and bibliographies?
    Yes No
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How many of the above questions did you respond with 'Yes"? Use the following scale to assess how well you are prepared for succesfully completing an online course:

  • 20-27: Excellent Computer Skills
    More than likely you will do quite well with the computer tasks associated with an online course. Before enrolling, you may want to make sure your computer has the proper requirements for online learning.
  • 12-19: Average Computer Skills
    You may have some difficulty working in an online environment. However, there will be technical help services available 24/7 when you encounter problems. If you're still worried, you may want to communicate with the course instructor prior to the start of class to find out whether or not your lack of skill in certain areas will jeopardize your ability to complete the course.
  • 12 or less: Minimal Computer Skills
    It's recommended that you learn a little more about basic computer and internet tasks before tackling an online course.
© 2009 Kentucky Virtual Campus/Council on Postsecondary Education
1024 Capital Center Drive | Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 877-740-4357 | Fax: 502-573-0222