Student Readiness Questions for Academic Continuity

Below, please find a set of questions that you can use to gather important information from students about their readiness for completing their course experience online. There are a variety of ways you can gather this information: using a Blackboard Survey, a Google Form. The easiest is simply sending these questions to students via email. For instructions on having students complete this through Blackboard, please see below.

Suggested Introduction/Instructions

Due to COVID-19, courses will move online until at least March 29 and possibly longer. I know what challenges I might face in shifting our lectures, discussions, and activities online, but I don't know what challenges you face.
I want to be sure to account for any challenges, needs, or barriers you have in relation to online learning. Please answer the following questions so I may be aware of any challenges these changes may present to you.

Do you have your own computer (or unlimited access to a computer) that you can use for class work?

  • Yes, I have a computer, or unlimited access to one.
  • No. I have access to a computer, but not unlimited.
  • No. I have no access to a computer.
  • Other: 

Do you have consistent access to reliable, high-speed internet?

  • Yes
  • No. I have access to internet, but it is either not consistent, not reliable, or not high-speed
  • No
  • Other:

If your primary method of access the web is through a smartphone or mobile device, do you have any limitations on your amount and speed of cellular data?

Do you have access to a webcam and microphone?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Other:

Do you have access to our course text and any other physical course materials?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Other:

Do you have any accessibility needs or concerns (beyond access to a computer or the internet?

Have your employment or dependent care situation changed as a result of the response to COVID-19? Will this impact when you are available to do course work?

For example, have your work hours been increased or are you looking for additional employment? Do you have school age children who will now be "home" with you?

Your ability to be successful in learning depends upon whether your basic needs are being met. Has the closing of campus impacted your ability to access housing, food, water, health care, mental health care, or other necessities?

Do you have any questions or concerns you would like me to be aware of?


Some other resources for how to survey your students



Page last modified March 19, 2020