Apparently, no one who charges full price for an OW class teaches bad habits.
Instructors who don't teach properly have been around before groupon and unfortunately will be around even without groupon.
Choosing a class based on price alone is something that most people who have been diving for a while will never do. But for the person who has never done it, it's almost the only choice at times specially if they don't know anyone who dives. Heck I did it and it was cheaper than the groupon deal back in 2005. What was the catch? I had to buy my basic gear from the shop. I ended up buying my first reg and BCD from the same shop. (It's called a loss-leader)
The instructor who taught the class probably knew how much I paid for the class, but I never felt like I was rushed or that he didn't care. What I did notice was that the instructor focused more on those students who showed interest and were "getting it".
Had it not been, for the "cheap" deal I probably wouldn't be diving now and if I didn't tell you how much I paid for my OW class you would not know it was cheaper than most.
To the op, read the book, ask questions here, ask your instructor, pay attention to what he says and if something doesn't seem right ask him again until you feel confident you know what you're supposed to do an understand the purpose of it.
I now longer know who currently teaches at Dixie Divers, but I know a few who have worked there. I can tell you with all certainty that those instructors would never teach a class like you see on the videos posted. I also know the owner of Dixie Divers and can tell you that he won't teach a class like that either - I've assisted in his classes.
One of the instructors who used to teach out of Dixie Divers is the current owner of one of the most reputable shops in South Florida and he runs discounted classes too.
Enjoy, your class and welcome to Scubaboard!
