TDI eLearning

[Zachyamauchi]

I am looking to take Advanced Nitrox and Deco procedures and noticed that TDI offers an eLearning option for these classes. I learn better at my own pace than in a class or lecture setting, so when looking for an instructor, I have inquired about this option. So far, I haven't found any instructors that accommodate the eLearning for these courses. Does anyone have experience with this learning option and if so, does doing the eLearning decrease class time and/or cost of the course?
Thanks
Zach

 

[underH2Oman]

It will depend on your instructor.
The cost, schedule and eLearning options are up to them and can very by instructor.

While anyone can complete the eLearning program online it is best to discuss the program with the instructor. This allows you to review the prerequisites for the program. I like to complete an evaluation dive with candidates before enrollment if I am unfamiliar with there diving abilities. This serves to determine candidates readiness for the program among other things.

I allow use of the eLearning as an option for those accepted for the program. It may reduce the classroom time but it does not eliminate it.

 

[alynn911]

I have used TDI eLearning for Intro to Tech, Nitrox, CCR, and SDI Divemaster. I like the online portion of the class, but I have to say when it comes to taking the end of chapter tests or final exam you cannot leave the exam and look back over the chapter which is hard. Also, If your particular course has more information in a Appendix you generally cannot get to that part of the course until the very last chapter prior to the final exam, makes it hard to get tables and formulas.

I enjoy online classes but I also like having a book that I can flip the pages back and forth on as well.

 

[The Chairman]

I accept e-learning and actually require it. Still, I require at least one session for tank testing, safety info and to be sure you assimilated the knowledge and can use it.

 

[Remy B.]

I will say go for it, but ask your instructor to provide the books as well when you are there, that is always a valuable tool to go back in refresh some knowledge, he will review the questions you missed and go thru them if you didn't really understand one

 

[Carl_F]

To me e-learning is the equivalent of reading through the book material and filling out the end-of-chapter reviews. Reading the book material and the reviews does not substitute for the classroom instruction (or vice-versa.) Therefore, e-learning does not substitute for the classroom instruction either. I have seen where some e-learning tries to do this but for deco procedures I would keep the classroom instruction.

 

[VaeVix]

I did e-learning for my AN/DP (only for the DP part, AN is trivial if you're a certified nitrox diver and not helpless with STEMs), and basically found it useful. I did it for my rescue as well and in both case : you don't pay for the books, and you might have some sort of discount (but in my experience rather limited). I still find it interesting : first you can start enjoying your diving holidays one month before, second you don't have to study during your holidays, third you go more in depth with the course material (my e-learning DP course turned into reading research papers about Bühlmann/VPM/RGGBM algorithms rather quickly).

No decent instructor will take the printout at face value and he will quiz you, if (as it is meant to be if you did it well) you ace the quiz usually (in my experience, YMMV) you'll get more advanced instruction (details, more specific teaching, etc.) instead of a large rebate, which is good as well.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I will accept e learning for those classes. Note however it does not reduce the cost, reduce classroom time, or replace it. The cost is the cost. I still have to put in the same amount of prep time, use the same gear, travel, etc.

These are not your basic ow classes. There is a higher degree of risk. The print out only tells me you were able to complete the quizzes and exam at the time. It doesn't tell me how well you understand and absorbed the material. So we are going to go over all of it.

Then add stuff to it. Books are included in the course cost and I don't remove them in the case of an elearning student. They can be a valuable reference down the road. Especially with all the notes you'll make in them. It's a 5 day class when I teach it.

Some of those days will be only 2 dives but we'll still start at 8 am and maybe go until 8 in the evening. With breaks for lunch and dinner. During which we'll go over more stuff. Even then it's not guaranteed you'll pass. The skills need to be there as well.

It's also not the time to work on your buoyancy and trim. You should have those nailed before you sign up for the class. Don't make the mistake of thinking these will be like the classes you've taken to this point. If someone tells you they will be, find another instructor to do them with.

 

[sheeper]

i require my students to do the elearning. it sets a basis for a followup classroom session. The advantage of eLearning is that the classroom session becomes very focused and generally is 1 evening or so.

 

[tstormdiver]

I just recently had a student that wanted to take the TDI Basic Nitrox class. He wanted to take the elearning course,... until we discovered that TDI charges more than we do. So,..... we just shipped him the books (still much cheaper).