After reading several posts about how few divers read or even know about Scubaboard it got me thinking. I know that I have learned a great deal and have become a much better diver by reading SB. So, should it be required reading for new divers or at least discussed in OW classes?
Absolutely not. There is way too much dogma, conflicting opinion and outright misinformation to be suitable as course material. Instruction needs to be consistent and complete.
That having been said... For the student capable of critical thinking this is a great place to get insight into the different ways that some things can be considered. In the past I have described it as a moot court situation. We frequently have threads with multiple conclusions. I was then able to separate fact from BS and decide which of the viable conclusions best fit my situation. This is not to much to accept from SOME new divers but to most, if they will even commit the time is beyond their skill set.
If a course were to suggest resources outside of their revenue stream providing awareness would be a good compromise. The audience will be largely self filtering.
Pete