Hello Everyone

[markdallasmas]

Can someone tell me if an online PADI course is a good thing?What about the cost comparison to going and taking the course in person? Thanks, Mark

[DMWiz]

I personally think the interaction with and instructor is invaluable even in the classroom and you get to ask all those silly questions you were always afraid to ask.
If you are pressed for time the online course is a good idea or if you're going on a vacation and rather get certified in a warm tropical place then by all means.

Where do you live?

[markdallasmas]

will the cost end up being near the same?

[markdallasmas]

Originally Posted by DMWiz

I personally think the interaction with and instructor is invaluable even in the classroom and you get to ask all those silly questions you were always afraid to ask.
If you are pressed for time the online course is a good idea or if you're going on a vacation and rather get certified in a warm tropical place then by all means.

Where do you live?

We have decided to goet trained by an instrutor.

[Roblucky13]

Remember, the only stupid question is the question asked in front of others where people laugh at your ignorance

[markdallasmas]

Originally Posted by Roblucky13

Remember, the only stupid question is the question asked in front of others where people laugh at your ignorance

[Lulubelle]

Originally Posted by markdallasmas

Can someone tell me if an online PADI course is a good thing?What about the cost comparison to going and taking the course in person? Thanks, Mark

My bro and his wife did the coursework online. There is no way their schedule would allow going to live classes. They enjoyed doing this together in Atlanta, then headed to St. John and did their dives with a referral.

My schedule would not allow me to go to regularly scheduled classes either. I did all of the above on site in Cancun/Cozumel. In 3 days, including dives. It was very intense. This would not be the right way for many people, but I was one on one with a terrific instructor the entire time, it went very well, and I felt very prepared. Cost wise, I'd say similar, but I have not priced the online course work.

Bro and I both grew up in the surf of the Atlantic and were great ocean swimmers early on. I would not recommend such a short course for someone who did not have these skills up front. And I know that many will criticize these types of OUS programs, but neither of us would be able to make a regularly occuring class.

Good luck

[ChefDvr]

Would you learn how to jump out of an airplane with a parachute online with out an instructor? Just curious

[Lulubelle]

Originally Posted by ChefDvr

Would you learn how to jump out of an airplane with a parachute online with out an instructor? Just curious

I don't think your comparison is apples and apples. The online coursework is just theory and tests. Some people will learn the theory just fine by this method. Unlike in your example above, folks still have to have an instructor work with them on the pool skills and they don't go to the OW until they have demonstrated mastery of these skills.

I think it is great that there are a variety of ways to put training together for an individual depending on their needs and their lifestyles. I would not be certified without that flexibility. Heck, e learning is here, one can get entire degrees that way, so it is good that the theory portions of training are at least available to those who need to do it this way.

[Shenanigan]

Glad to hear you decided to go with an instructor. There are some things in life that require some human interaction/Q&A along the way. I think this is one of them.