Join DiveBuddy.com

Meet new scuba divers, maintain a virtual dive log, participate in our forum, share underwater photos, research dive sites and more. Members login here.

#51878
2010 Scuba Diving Survey Q5: Online Learning
Greg - 7/15/2010 4:16 PM
Category: Survey
Replies: 800

Some training agencies allow student divers to complete the knowledge portion of the course online at home, including taking the final exam. Should they also allow student divers to complete the knowledge portion at home with a book and printed exam?

If not, please comment on the differences between taking the course at home online vs. with a book. Either method would require the student to complete a quick review test with the instructor before getting in the water.
#161
divershades - 12/03/2010 12:32 PM
[Choose #3] this is a subject i brought to my dive shop owers attention. Recently i went to do my advanced open water and ended up being the only one in the class due to online training. I feel myself that i take more out of a classroom then online
#1711
AndyBSmith - 11/16/2010 6:31 PM
[Choose #3] If you’re at 60 ft, where will your book be if you need to know something?
#315
pmombourquette - 10/03/2010 8:10 AM
[Choose #3] No on-line. You cannot replace an instructor. They can tell if a student requires more help!
#787
Mavricky - 9/28/2010 6:20 PM
[Choose #4] Nothing bad about shops or instructors because mine made sure I knew very well what I was doing. But online or book at home leaves too much room for less concerned shops to turn out production line divers.
#50
Narcosis_Nancy - 9/06/2010 3:10 AM
[Choose #1] If there is a review and final test with the instructor, that should be fine. That’s how we did it in my class.
#190
JillCW - 8/31/2010 7:03 PM
[Choose #1] I think there are many intelligent people out there who can teach themselves with the proper resources. Most will learn best with traditional classroom environment and the most hours possible.
#123
MrFlint - 8/31/2010 1:46 PM
[Choose #4] knowledge online is fine... test should be in person.
#1391
DarthDiver - 8/29/2010 9:17 PM
[Choose #4] I think that even the classroom should not be allowed. I would rather see people getting trained out in the field, that should be your classroom.
#385
toodive4 - 8/28/2010 5:49 PM
[Choose #4] They already do this
#202
scampycampy - 8/28/2010 6:21 AM
[Choose #3] there needs to be interaction and Q&A with instructor (online ok if it’s by interactive chat with instructor)
#38
iliv4scuba - 8/27/2010 4:27 PM
[Choose #3] scuba diving takes requires a commitment to yourself, your buddy and the environment. i believe that traditional classes and pool work reinforce that commitment
#1712
slippin2darknezz - 8/26/2010 2:04 PM
[Choose #2] beginning knowledge should be taught in a classroom environment learning the concept incorrectly can be disasterous
#828
CptnTypeO - 8/24/2010 11:26 PM
[Choose #1] I think for the knowledge portion should be allowed for both, It allows for a more convience, of course all practicle exercises should be conducted under the watchful eye of an experienced dive master
#300
Landon_me - 8/24/2010 9:41 AM
[Choose #2] Creating poorly trained divers in order to make an extra buck is not acceptable in my opinion. If a student doesn’t know the material they will simply look through the book for the answer.
#562
Argonaut - 8/23/2010 11:58 AM
[Choose #4] Online and home testing would be fine except there is no way to be sure the student is actually taking the test and not cheating by letting someone else take it for them. This makes it imperative that an instructor verify the students knowledge.
#6310
Ichabod - 8/23/2010 5:50 AM
[Choose #3] good for the agency bad for the local dive shop
#278
scrubrat2 - 8/22/2010 7:48 PM
[Choose #2] study and review at home then classroom
#623
flyingfrawg - 8/22/2010 5:22 PM
[Choose #1] So you still have to print out the exam and take it to your instructor with the agency I use...
#25
rondaniel - 8/21/2010 1:22 PM
[Choose #3] I learned a lot more from the classroom than I would have from an online program.
#120
j_Scuba - 8/21/2010 10:44 AM
[Choose #2] No cheatting, more direct, someboddy can answer questions
#67
HeatherG - 8/21/2010 10:15 AM
[Choose #2] The younger generation has been raised with the computer and often learns best in this environment. If book study @home, test under supervision. Scuba info needs to be memorized, not looked-up. No books underwater if U get in trouble...
#386
Sharkbait55 - 8/20/2010 9:54 PM
[Choose #2] Ensures knowledge is really gone over and the student has an oppertunity to learn from others
#4002
WarmWaterTurner - 8/20/2010 3:08 PM
[Choose #2] I certified via SSI. They are online study/class prep only. We then had lecture and ultimately testing in the class. I would not want to do without out the class discussion because a lot of good explanation came out of that.
#322
Persian-Diver - 8/20/2010 12:52 PM
[Choose #2] People might just do the test by help of book rather than learning them and doing the test.
#31
Shez - 8/20/2010 12:37 PM
[Choose #3] I think learning is a two way thing and the instructor needs to be present with the pupil in order to ensure the correct level of training is received, the test is just evidence of that
#30
ptanimal - 8/20/2010 12:21 PM
[Choose #2] can’t look at a manual underwater
#46
rsmith4656 - 8/20/2010 8:19 AM
[Choose #3] While I am not an instructor, it is always best to have an interpersonal instruction time so the studens skills and knowledge can be properly assest
#954
james4964 - 8/19/2010 5:15 PM
[Choose #2] both are acceptable but not just online
#31
trace - 8/19/2010 1:57 AM
[Choose #3] old school perhaps, traditional you can ask questions al you go
#93
TylerDurden - 8/18/2010 11:53 AM
[Choose #3] There is no feedback from a Dive Master Online.. You have to teach people different ways and give real life examples to fully understand diving concepts. Online may work for Math 101, but not for Diving.
#640
ereediver - 8/18/2010 11:04 AM
[Choose #2] The test should be taken at a location to limit cheating
#448
TDSDiver - 8/17/2010 8:37 PM
[Choose #3] I feel that those that learn online really suffer by not having a live instructor to ask questions of when they come up.
#20
Ari - 8/17/2010 4:11 PM
[Choose #2] Online can be timed to make sure they aren’t cheating...
#112
bubblesup - 8/17/2010 3:44 PM
[Choose #2] Finals should be taken with the instructor
#184
scubaschwab - 8/17/2010 2:54 PM
[Choose #1] And the option to have the confined water dive instructor verify knowledge was retained before proceeding.
#3160
SoCal_Kevin - 8/17/2010 12:05 PM
[Choose #4] I don’t think online should be an option for a basic open water class, but should be allowed for certain specialty classes.
#95
JOE - 8/17/2010 7:56 AM
[Choose #3] in the traditional classroom you can see if the student is familiar with the subject or if he is just faking it
#68
PugetS_Diver - 8/16/2010 7:56 PM
[Choose #1] It allows flexibility to those with busy schedules.
#588
jason_tucker - 8/16/2010 11:57 AM
[Choose #3] I do not think online they get the knowledge they would need to know that they get from classroom.
#4682
Montanaman - 8/15/2010 11:33 PM
[Choose #4] Depends on the subject matter
#769
azskyandsea - 8/15/2010 1:33 PM
[Choose #3] A solid grasp of the knowledge is needed when putting yourself in a technical environment
#124
neilcp - 8/15/2010 12:39 AM
[Choose #3] Traditional classroom allows for the student to gains from actual experienced the instructor might discuss, which is unavailable in canned online courses..
#211
rsuave - 8/15/2010 12:04 AM
[Choose #1] Although i think both should be allowed, I prefer the online method. With today’s techology I do not see the printed materials being used much longer.
#80
gunman200081 - 8/13/2010 5:17 PM
[Choose #1] You should be allowed to take the test and exam at home so you can do it on your time. But the instructor should ask you a lot of questions to make sure you understand the knowledge.
#99
ToyotaTerrorist - 8/13/2010 2:55 PM
[Choose #3] Open book final exams will lead to a spike in diving deaths IMHO
#60
tresguey - 8/11/2010 9:10 PM
[Choose #3] I feel hands on traing is best for this type of activity.
#65
ROYM - 8/11/2010 1:05 PM
[Choose #4] Training should be offered VIA class room or E-learning. Exams should be done only in person under supervision of a certified Instructor.
#4377
Catman - 8/11/2010 11:32 AM
[Choose #3] online can’t deal with some of the issues people have. To the industry it’s usually all about the money!
#25
tswtrskier56 - 8/11/2010 11:21 AM
[Choose #4] its kindof a tough call, because really, the student is responsible for retaining the info they learn. if you cheat on this, its life and death mistakes. its not like you get a do-over 100 ft deep. learn it, live it.
#755
sparkey - 8/10/2010 8:22 PM
[Choose #3] i believe the classroom you get more instruction
#212
Divin_DnT - 8/10/2010 6:38 PM
[Choose #2] There’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to study the material online and take chapter reviews. But a written final should ONLY be given in the presence of an instructor WITHOUT an open book! This is life or death knowledge students must KNOW!
#959
RockPro - 8/10/2010 4:37 PM
[Choose #1] I think we all agree it’s getting the knowlege in, and being able to demonstrate it. The exams are pretty casual even in classroom anyway.. the demontration should be more crutial though for online
#2938
tadeotadeo - 8/10/2010 9:36 AM
[Choose #4] Learning online or at home or in classroom is ok final exam should be taken in classroom only
#205
Synike - 8/08/2010 9:35 PM
[Choose #3] Many people like easy way out.I’ve heard students asking an already certified person to take the test for them...diving is playing with your life if you don’t know the basic rules...I’d take exams as serious as possible,in person,in classroom!
#58
GaryCT - 8/08/2010 3:06 PM
[Choose #1] Online pricing is currently too high for Padi courses.
#1974
nauidiver - 8/07/2010 8:53 PM
[Choose #3] Should be in front of a instructor in the classroom. Helps you get more out of the course that your paying for to be as safe as you can be in the water!
#449
Paco103 - 8/06/2010 11:36 PM
[Choose #1] If you can take the test on a computer, there should be no reason not to take a printed test. I think an instructor review is a good idea. It’s a nice convenience for some people with limited time.
#819
Plumber63 - 8/06/2010 11:29 PM
[Choose #3] It is hard to ask a computer screen a Question..
#234
iluvczm - 8/06/2010 6:50 PM
[Choose #3] With a sport where your life & the life of others is a stake any chance for cheating should not be allowed. Self testing is like performing self surgery. Leave it to a professional.
#343
IceCube - 8/06/2010 4:31 PM
[Choose #4] Online allowed, but exam should be taken in traditional classroom or proctored where education testing is offered (e.g. school, library, military ed office, etc)
#2322
iScuba - 8/06/2010 12:46 PM
[Choose #4] It’s my believe that more can be learned at one’s own pace, but not everything can be learned without proper instruction. Online learning has its advantages, but classroom learning engages the learner in a way that online learning cannot.
#129
scuba-joe - 8/06/2010 9:38 AM
[Choose #1] If PADI and other agencies agree that it can be done online then who are we to judge. It’s hard to fine time to take classes these days. The online class portion sounds fine to me, as long as the skills are still done with a licensed instructor.
#9476
hoofpick - 8/06/2010 9:23 AM
[Choose #4] On line is OK but it doesn’t replace being in the classroom with the instructior. New divers need to know the instructor, after all this is the person they are going to be underwater with. It also increases the cost of the lessons for the new diver.
#216
Rhonda - 8/06/2010 9:05 AM
[Choose #4] not sure
#113
webrunner - 8/06/2010 8:01 AM
[Choose #2] trusting for honesty isn’t always the best idea.. there has to be some sort of control.
#286
warren2343 - 8/05/2010 11:53 PM
[Choose #4] you have to pay twice 1 to take the online oart 2 for the instructor to train you in the water
#170
NashvilleAquanut - 8/05/2010 8:30 PM
[Choose #2] there is pros and cons to both but I feel the one on one experience with the instructors makes for a better and more confident diver.
#99
txbairdiver - 8/05/2010 7:15 PM
[Choose #3] traditional is best,, more learning not just good test taking
#61
ljscuba - 8/05/2010 11:07 AM
[Choose #1] online is good becouse some times we don’t have time to go to a dive shop for classes it works out for singel mom’s and dad’s
#261
Gottado - 8/05/2010 7:40 AM
[Choose #2] With the PADI Online courses, the students come to their pool and open water sessions more prepared that even those students that are supposed to do their work and videos before they come to class. Online works very well.
#13944
noeltime13 - 8/05/2010 5:41 AM
[Choose #3] A life surviving sport should require professional traditional training for numerous reasons.
#2603
SherlThePerl - 8/05/2010 2:11 AM
[Choose #1] some people will always like and do better in private online while other benefit from the interaction of a classroom environment.
#870
ikickm - 8/04/2010 7:29 PM
[Choose #2] I have only had classroom time, but I could see where having some of the class time online would be helpful to the person that has a schedule that won’t work with the local dive shops.
#2235
jeff98208 - 8/04/2010 4:03 PM
[Choose #1] however final exams should be done in the classroom
#1347
Pixel - 8/04/2010 2:41 PM
[Choose #3] It’s always better to learn in class with something that where one little mistake could potentially kill you or someone else.
#3443
theop - 8/04/2010 11:03 AM
[Choose #1] as long as the intructor is available to explain or clarify the online material - there is nothing wrong with self study. Of course the quality of the study materials ( online or text ) is important
#110
rachelb7 - 8/04/2010 8:58 AM
[Choose #1] I did my coursework online and felt it was convenient and thorough
#15
AlbertChuang - 8/03/2010 2:29 AM
[Choose #3] because it will be more detail and clear if we got the explanation directly from the instructor, diving is fun but it must be safety first.
#13581
millertime - 8/02/2010 3:44 PM
[Choose #3] interaction with other students and their questions may be helpful where an online student may not be exposed to the question let alone the answer. A classroom also allows you to meet other divers and form friendships and dive buddies in the future.
#319
Chappy - 8/01/2010 2:09 PM
[Choose #3] Anyone can take the class for you if it is done online. Plus you don’t have the ability to have that one on one experience with the instructor.
#55
JERM - 7/31/2010 8:59 PM
[Choose #3] It’s too easy to cheat and that makes a hardship on the Instructor
#6072
scubaclay - 7/31/2010 3:57 PM
[Choose #3] Students can not get questions answered in a timely fasson
#60
buzzbrown - 7/30/2010 4:05 PM
[Choose #2] Help should be given to those who can not pass.
#66
pogiguy2009 - 7/30/2010 1:17 PM
[Choose #4] I think some is not a bad thing but most training should be in a classroom with a trainer as it is best to learn from experianced trained divers.
#45
MBDiver - 7/29/2010 9:10 AM
[Choose #1] Although studying at home is fine, there are always some people who would need questions answered and it definitely helps to have the instructor right there.
#18
DivemasterofOknawa - 7/27/2010 11:37 PM
[Choose #4] I have made many trips diving with someone I thought was a trained diver, turns out he had been diving with friends before I came along. Good judgement, and skills makes good divers, not books.
#23
BGERICKSON - 7/26/2010 4:52 PM
[Choose #2] I FEEL TIME SPENT WITH A INSTRUCTOR MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE
#23
Piscador - 7/26/2010 12:49 PM
[Choose #1] If you allow one then the other should be also. I believe in instructors and class time as being the best though.
#310
jnowak100 - 7/26/2010 11:40 AM
[Choose #1] I dont want to spend vacation days in a classroom, and many places are not convenient for traditional classes
#69
randydkc - 7/26/2010 10:10 AM
[Choose #2] You should take tests in the classroom but online learning allows you to take the test without looking in the book and notifies the shop of your progress
#138
Mistersharkbait - 7/26/2010 12:20 AM
[Choose #3] I’m old school-
#732
allstarwa - 7/25/2010 8:20 PM
[Choose #4] On line course classroom test. You need to get it. Everyones too spoiled with computers
#23
JustinK - 7/25/2010 5:15 PM
[Choose #3] Not eveyone can understand dive physics among other subjects without someone there to explain. I had a girlfriend do the PADI online OW class. I thought it was very good, except she needed me there to explain a lot of things.
#348
LandSeaAir - 7/25/2010 3:58 PM
[Choose #1] If one then the other. I did the online class before going to Saba and not only did it save time(I spent good money to go) but it also made it possible for me to have my first two dives the first afternoon after my pool time.
#1279
ozphx - 7/25/2010 10:19 AM
[Choose #3] Hands on is the best way!
#1001
h2ofria - 7/25/2010 8:23 AM
[Choose #1] No logical reason for one to be okay and not the other.
#194
Tom4Diveheart - 7/23/2010 9:59 PM
[Choose #1] Until more people are online I don’t think it’s okay to discriminate between those with technology and thsoe without.
#135
JimSTX - 7/23/2010 5:45 PM
[Choose #3] I’m concerned with safety. Online is handy, but I worry about it becoming the default mode esp. because it has to be designed really well to work, and doesn’t give the student access to the instructor’s expertise. Also, it undercuts local shops.
#41
b3d - 7/23/2010 2:37 PM
[Choose #3] traditional classroom setting so all questions can be answered
#1001
Bonnielynn - 7/23/2010 7:04 AM
[Choose #3] From my own experience, I needed the onhands instructor. There were questions that the book just couldn’t answer and things that had to be repeated to the class that some weren’t understanding. A book can’t possibly answer all questions.