Again, why do you equate classes to continuing education?
I don't.
I interpreted the topic of this thread as being specifically about formal education, and my response is in that vein.
While I can't quote the original first post, the first few responses indicate its content. Then, later posts by such as:
"What do you think is better for everyone in the diving community, another 500-1000.00 diving computer or another rescue diver out on the boats. My answer is
another rescue diver." [take a class]
"No amount of study of i.e Scubaboard, The Deco Stop, The Cyber Diver or any other online forum can substitute for actual
guided practice for scuba diving." [take a class]
I certainly may have misinterpreted Brendon's intent - it wouldn't be the first time.
... obviously not, hence this discussion.
and participating in scuba, too?
Read the rest:
"... There are a ton of dives within my training and comfort range (above 200 feet [which is deeper than my formal training], less than 1 hr deco, no more than 2 bottles). There are a number of local dives rather deeper (250-350) that interest me greatly, but not enough to step up to the hypoxic plate, nor the CCR plate.
I plan to dive as much as I can within my personal limits. Maybe forgo 10 tech charters and instead spend that money to dive somewhere different (belize? honduras?)
and experience a new environment."
The bolded is my roundabout answer to the revised OP which asks 'what are you going to do this year to become a better diver?'
Are you so close minded that you cannot consider the possibility that you have something to learn from an instructor?
Of course not, nor do I consider taking a class as the only way to learn from an instructor. I've long been a proponent of mentor-type relationships in diving. Some of those I'd consider my mentors were at one time my formal instructors.