It makes us proud to recall that PSS Worldwide was the first training agency in the world to present, at the end of 2003, a teaching method via e-learning dealing with diving.
Every time we connect to internet we can see that there are more and more degree courses that you can follow using e-learning, a long-distance teaching method that makes use of Internet and the new electronic technology. Today many universities use this method which offers the student a means of learning without having to attend traditional lectures halls.
Nowadays, in fact, e-learning is the most innovative and effective interactive teaching aid made possible thanks to Internet. The sophisticated technology on which e-learning is based allows the students' progress to be monitored via an advanced system of communication.
How is e-learning applied to diving?
E-learning was conceived by PSS Worldwide to assist the instructor in carrying out the theory part of the diving courses but not to take the instructor's place. Through e-learning, for instance, the instructor of a Diving Center may have students who are studying the theory part of the course on their own, in their own language, at their own pace, and when it suits them at any time of the day or night. The students just come to the Diving Center for the final theory test and the practical part of the course.
There is a similar advantage for instructors working in a city. Times, work, family commitments, etc. are often reasons why people are reticent to enrol on a diving course or why they "drop out". Thanks to e-learning a student can make up the lesson he or she misses.
With the PSS e-learning method the student's learning takes place with the full control of the instructor who provides the entry password. With this the student enters the first module. The student may read the text on the screen, look at the images at the appropriate moment, watch the video of the relative chapter, download the chapter, make notes, research topics, and scroll the list of frequently asked questions ("FAQ") for immediate explanations. The student may also send his or her instructor an e-mail for any questions not answered by the FAQs. When the student has finished studying he or she may do the test. The questions are presented in succession. At the end of the test the student learns the result. Only a score of 100% allows the student to pass onto the next module. The student may also make use of the instructor's tutorial. In fact, at any moment the instructor can find out how the student is progressing. On successfully completing the e-learning course, the student can go onto the final written exam which is monitored by the instructor who, from his or her reserved area of the site, can check the final outcome of the course.