shark.byte.usa:
The eLearning program only truly benefits PADI in every conceivable scenario.
BTW -- this is not agency bashing in any way. PADI's move to the Internet is bold and inevitable. Hopefully, someone from PADI will read my conclusions and soak it in. ---
One can wish!
Hi Garrett,
I teach for several different certification agencies (PADI Being one of them) and talked to most of them (at DEMA) regarding PADI's move to the Internet. Also, after sitting in the PADI IDC update and several of their mini-seminars, at DEMA, I have concluded three things.
1. PADI has always paid special attention to the dive resorts (specifically in the Caribbean). This program benefits them greatly as resort vacationers don't mind too much jumping in the pool, nor do they mind the certification dives. This opens their market greatly to people wanting to get certified in the Caribbean. In active discussion about this during the IDC Update, the PADI representative addressed this in detail. Also, the PADI representive also mentioned (sorry Rob) that the online program would NOT be available for independent instructors to utilize. They could accept a referral, but there would be no system in place for them to be selected or be allowed to custom link to the elearning center - it was for the IRRA members only.
2. The online system is a progessive next step to the prescriptive learning method PADI introduced a couple of years ago. The only comment I can make is that it places more and more responsibility on the student to absorb the information. Is that a safety issue???
(looking forward to the comments)
3. Revenues are going to be impacted at PADI and the LDS (non resort based LDS). Foot traffic will be reduced in the stores by at least 50%. Additionally, a good instructor will have at least 50% less face time with the student, thus his ability to product place/sell equipment, travel and continued education is drastically reduced. You can point to the IDC training as a direct example of this. There is no product placement in the pool or open water sessions. Without this face time, equipment and continuing education will suffer. Lastly, that bond between instructor and student starts in the classroom. That will impact the ability for them to sell con-ed. Furthermore, PADI is now cutting itself into the instruction revenue stream (actually controlling the revenue stream). Thus, the shops will be receiving commission on the sales from PADI. They are telling shops not to drop their OW Class prices, but savvy consumers will know they are paying twice. The shop in order to compete will need to drop prices. I can't see how this will NOT impact revenues at an LDS. But PADI is spoon-feeding everyone that it won't.
IMO - I like the idea/concept/practice and application of online learning. I also appreciate the certification agencies taking the lead on it as they are the only ones in this business who can afford it. Eventually ALL certification agencies will have online classes of some sort. So you can throw daggers at PADI for doing it now, but your (ageny's) turn is probably less than 24 months away. It is fate. My issues are two fold: I do not think PADI has really thought through the whole business model. When asked questions, specifically, about the business issues, their general answer was that all the details had not been worked out. However, they were very adamant that this was going to be released in six months. It sounds like they have spent all their time analyzing the functionality/technology, not the business model. This would be indicative in the aggressive timeline and specific details about the operation, and the lack of details on business impact. I also see PADI stepping into a grey area of competition by soliciting open water students, controlling the student and then passing them off to a shop. As an instructor, my students who go through my OW class always have a special bond with me as the person who led them through the shark infested waters. No matter what instructor they have afterwards, I was the one who excited the spark that brought them into Scuba. That spark is now with PADI, not the shop. That is one shred of glue that will know be stripped away.
I hope PADI really, truly examines their business model and makes alterations and stays out of the grey areas.
My last thought: The beast (Internet learning) is uncaged. If you are a shop owner or scuba instructor, you'd better understand and embrace it or get trampled underneath. While I do not think it will be as rapidly adopted by consumers - it will some day.
JCF
PS - Scubapig - I hope my moronic rantings weren't too simple for your high intellect. I know a lot of people on this board, many I consider friends, none I consider morons. While having your Scuba Sciences Posse participating in our board recently has been entertaining, your childish insults and incoherent rantings is uncalled. If you have an opinion, voice it (preferably with spell check and grammar check). Lastly, SS Posse, there is a marketplace in this forum. If you have a commercial, post it there.
