eLearning Kicks ass: PADI

Posted on May 2, 2007 by Scuba Herald

Incredible. Outstanding. Impressive. Wow! – These are just some of the ways PADI retailers described the new PADI Open Water Diver Course Online after attending an eLearning Forum. Nearly 300 PADI retailers throughout the United States and Canada recently attended one of 27 eLearning Forums presented by PADI Americas. While many dive industry skeptics have critically viewed PADI’s groundbreaking new initiative, these forums have shown there’s little question that PADI eLearning will soon revolutionize dive training.

Not only will it help expand the market industry wide, it will also make it even easier for potential divers to connect with a PADI Dive Center or Resort and begin their training.

The program is currently being introduced to PADI Retailers and Resorts. PADI eLearning will roll out worldwide the week of 21 May 2007 and promises to deliver a suite of features developed in consultation with PADI Members, professional educators and internet specialists. The result is a comprehensive program raising the level of open water diver training– stimulating industry growth and benefiting everyone in the ever-changing scuba diving world.

Drew Richardson, PADI Worldwide President and Chief Operating Officer, said, “The positive response from PADI Members shows that us we are heading in the right direction. Every element of this program was made to benefit PADI Members and they’re immediately seeing how the program will benefit them.”

Richardson said the positive comments from PADI Members continue to roll in daily. He adds, “Anyone doubting this program should see what PADI Members are already saying.”

Below are actual quotes from PADI Dive Center owners and operators after attending a PADI eLearning Forum:

“I’ve been with PADI for 24 years and their programs have always been first-class and this is exactly what PADI delivered with eLearning. It shows that PADI is forward-thinking. We’re pleased to embrace this program at our store….”

….Anna Schmidt, Emerald Coast Scuba – Destin, FL

“I was skeptical about online training at the beginning. But not anymore. PADI showed me how eLearning can be good for the students, the industry and for my stores. Using eLearning is good for me financially. We can market to a completely new group of students and we can make even more money doing so. I’m excited!!”

…Patrick Hammer, Scuba Emporium Alsip, IL and Hollywood, FL

“PADI’s program gives us a lot of interaction with the students and the ability to talk with the student divers about equipment, travel and other topics within the natural context of training. eLearning also gives us another option to accommodate any student’s schedule. A dive store owner would be foolish not to seriously consider using this program. I can’t wait to get started!”

…Colin Zylka, Underwater Connection, Delafield, WI

“I’m impressed with how thorough this program is. It would be nice if all training programs, online or otherwise, would be this complete. I’m not a particular fan of the self-study concept, but I feel that PADI eLearning is a strong benefit to my students. I wasn’t completely convinced at first, but I sure am now!”

…Rich Synowic, Divers Inc. Ann Arbor, MI

PADI Business Members can start preparing to welcome eLearners into their business by setting up their eLearning virtual classroom. Simply visit the Pro Section at padi.com to view all of the tools an online tutorials supporting eLearning.

Some promise a better future, PADI simply delivers. If you’re looking for leadership, look to PADI and the way the world learns to dive to grow your business. For more information about eLearning and additional benefits available only to PADI Members, call 800 729 7234 (US or Canada) or + 1 949 858 7234, ext. 2495.

Others promise … PADI delivers.