scuba-training.net

[tonka97]

The January 2007 issue of UNDERCURRENT (800-326-1896 for subscriptions) mentioned an on-line resource www.scuba-training.net as a "website for divers who want to take classes from the comfort of their own computer".

The prospective diver must then be checked out for the usual skills and knowledge at various dive sites to receive certification.

"Basic diving classes to expert courses for rebreathers and first aid."
"Classes from $30 to $100.00"

Looks like a great alternative resource for learning.

The article concludes:

"Old timers may scoff at how this makes it even easier for the inexperienced to get certified, but what's wrong with doing your homework online? After all, it's not textbook learning that makes for good divers, but what they do in the water".


BTW: I had previously googled for a site like this, and was disappointed with the hundreds of mis-directions and 'paid' commercial sites that google coughed up, that did not satisfy the search parameters.

 

[shurite7]

When I was working in the islands I had a referral student who had taken an online classroom course. This was the first I and those I worked with had ever seen this.

Although the student used NAUI tables he didn't take the NAUI test. The online test was 50 questions. The NAUI test is 85 questions. Since the PADI test is 50 questions I had the student take a look at it. The test they took was not the PADI.

For CYA purposes I had the student take an o/w test with an agreeement. If they passed then the classroom portion could be skipped. They passed.

This did save the student time by not having to attend classroom sessions. After the test we went straight to the pool.

Luckily for me this individual was a person who paid attention while going through the online course. Sad to say most people are not as diligent.

Salaam

Chris

 

[tonka97]

They passed.

Chris,
Interesting post. Learning on-line and other self directed learning models demand a LOT of perseverence and discipline. (I never have independently studied subjects as diligently as I did for the final exams in my Physical Therapy program!:shakehead )

With that said, there is a need for those divers that do have the drive, and limited schedules, to advance their skills and knowledge using a distance-learning model.

I received YMCA OW cert.; each 'lecture' period was ruined by ridiculous and digressive ponderings posed by a smug and self-indulgent student, who should have been told to be quiet or leave. It was absolute torture.

I would have been MUCH more satisfied and untortured utilizing online resources. (several other members of the class agreed)

 

[Wolfie2012]

Sad to say most people are not as diligent.

I really don't think you can quantify that statement with any hard facts solely regarding online classes. Lots of classwork is now being done online, and really whether that classwork is online or not, the diligence and interest of the student is going to determine their success with it.

In a referral situation, at first glance you really cannot determine any student's competency regardless of whether their textbook work was done in a classroom or online. This leads to what I think is the importance of gauging a student's level of understanding in a quick review session just prior to the first pool session for those who took their class online. At least that's my opinion. YMMV