What is the classroom training like these days ?

[TMHeimer]

I'll only add that I agree with doing the classroom and pool work at home first. Then it's just the checkout dives on vacation, so you're not sitting in a class instead of on the beach.
Our shop still offers classroom, but only on the courses done over 3 weeks. This is what I took in 2005 and found it much better than the more common "2 weekend" courses. More time in between each session to absorb what you did rather than two days in a row at the pool & classroom. I have observed on the weekend courses that though many could handle all this at once, some had trouble. I probably would have had trouble as well.

 

[Jack_Sparrow]

So after reading through the replies to this thread I opted to sign her up for the E-learning class. This will enable me to assist her with any questions she has and accomplish the theory portion at her leisure. The pool sessions and OW dives will be completed on the vacation. By getting this portion out of the way she will have much less pressure and more time for fun during our one week stay.,

Thanks for all of the input

 

[archer1960]

My class was about 2.5 yrs ago, and I'd estimate it was about 50% videos, and 50% the instructor talking/explaining/etc.

 

[TMHeimer]

Though I admit total unfamiliarity with the e learning, that's what I would do if I were to take OW over. One would think you can do it at your own pace. Some instructors I've assisted like it, others don't, citing unprepared students showing up for the review & pool. Too bad she couldn't get the pool work done at home as well--that's probably one or two vacation days.

 

[FinnMom]

I think the eLearning is best, esp. for kids and anyone less than thrilled with the theory/math side of stuff.

I find we get the best results by bringing material up again and again after it has been presented in class or video, just a little friendly quizzing in many, many brief exchanges. The videos do a fair job of presenting the facts in understandable form, asking questions and discussing things later will make the student re-trace their mind back to what they were taught and help them to make it part of their active memory. A little bit at a time, keeping it light and keeping it fun (at least fun-ish) will get you furthest in the end.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Due to the time constraints of pool time, I have added doing skills dry (a la GUE) to my open water classes, so that my students establish some muscle memory that carries over into the pool.

 

[pnwbred]

I'm a recent grad of the SSI open water program, and may be able to give some insight.

Overall, I found it really convenient for the material to be online where I can get to it from any device (pc, phone etc). There was videos, and lots

My open water course consisted of: 4 classroom sessions that were 4 hours each.
A min of 4 practice pool sessions to work on skills. I did as many pool sessions as I could as it was free air and I could ask my instructors anything afterwards..

With my course we were expected to read ahead and do all the tests ahead of time. All thru SSI platform. SSI you have sections, with videos to separate the content and walls of text.

My Nitrox class was almost the same. Read a bunch of material, answer tests online... but no pool time. I was given an open book test to be filled out and given back asap.

I'm more of a learn by doing sort of guy, so once I got in open water it all was clear to me.

Hope that helps!

 

[Mustard Dave]

I heard they strap you in a chair and clamp your eyelids open then they force you watch instructional videos while listening to classical music.

Not Ludwig Van?

 

[Jack_Sparrow]

Due to the time constraints of pool time, I have added doing skills dry (a la GUE) to my open water classes, so that my students establish some muscle memory that carries over into the pool.

That's a great idea. I plan on pulling out the gear to do some practice setting up and breaking down. Also some pointers regarding the dust cap that I wish I had caught during my ow class. Would've saved me from having my first stage rebuilt after my first trip

 

[kelemvor]

The instructor's job is NOT to teach the material in the first place.

That must be something that is PADI specific. In my NAUI class, we bought a book (and other materials like tables) and the instructor taught classes, then assigned book homework. Later we took a written test. Very much like a college or other adult education class. Actually my son's high school classes work that way as well.

There were online materials available to us if we wanted to use them, but we weren't required to use them. Nothing was required before class than to sign up and pay for class. My daughter's class with SSI was pretty much the same, except the instructor used videos to teach the class instead of doing it himself.

My point is that apparently, this method of scuba education is PADI specific and it's not the same across the industry.