Ji Folks,
Very interesting thread. Like Don, I am also an instructor. Good instructors work very hard. I was very surprised after doing my first clesses many years ago- I was actually physically tired. Until you do it, it is hard to explain.
On line CE will be come a reality no matter what we say or do. Frankly, I think it is fine for some courses and a horrible thought for others. For some things, like FHA guidelines, it could work well- especially if it is held via a webcast where students could ask questions and get answers in nearly real time. For others, like the NAIFA 1.2 course in Market Data Anaylsis, it just will not work. I'll give you an example:
When I teach that course (and it is very complicated), I warn my students that for the first 3 days they will simply not understand much of what is going on- just the nature of the material. But, I promise them that the morning of the 4th day- before the exam, all the lightbulbs will come on. It is true. I can actually see in the student's eyes when he/she begins to understand all the interrelationships. Big grins and sparkling eyes. But, there are usually one or two students who still struggle. I can see it in their eyes. Then I can concentrate on bringing them up to speed.
I have never had a failure in any of the sessions of this course. I do not think that could happen without the face to face exchange.
For the instructor, the biggest thrill is when a student comes up afterwards and tells you that they really enjoyed your course and learned a lot. Most of us lose money when we teach compared to what we could earn doing appraisals. But the good ones keep on doing it because they love it and it helps to raise the level of performance for the profession.
So, take your on line courses when you must, but be picky about the subject matter and go toa live presentation whenever you can.
Brad
