Should all TRADOC classes be online?

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 01:01:39 -0500

More classes are being offered online or with different phases at a Tradoc post and the rest online. Some offer distance learning classes. Where should the future of army education be? PCS moves for one year are expensive for families and uprooting can be difficult. Also for the reserves and guard, leaving their civilian job for one year can be difficult, so what should the options be?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 1:08 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 01:08:40 -0500

MAJ David Chang. There are many benefits to the onsite classroom experience. It is easier for students and professors to get to know each other particularly during break time before and after class. It is also easier for students to work in collaborative teams. That said, in addition to traditional course offerings, it would be helpful to make many of these classroom courses also available online (1) for the sake of students who may miss part or need to review a class session and (2) to provide educational support for students at remote locations. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 6:03 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 06:03:31 -0500

I'm a supporter of online education and consider it to have great potential both in the civilian and military professional education because of the flexibility, cost-savings, adaptability, and capability.  However, it is impossible to re-create some of the benefits of resident learning at key points in a career.  The PCS moves for PME, while costly, allow the Leader to step away from the Operational Force and focus on education and professional development that is not possible in units with high OPTEMPO. <br><br>Additionally, bringing Leaders together, either by Rank or by Occupational Specialty, to a schoolhouse environment allows a depth of networking that is invaluable in developing the profession and allowing for a healthy debate, discussion, and introspection.  Camaraderie has its value, and personal relationships developed through courses strengthens the service. <br>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 10:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 22:29:11 -0500

Sir, I agree that on-site training can be a hassle and online training is easier on national guard, I am just wondering how pay would be worked out. Also, for some classes onsite training would be inevitable. I also don't think I could re-class, which I am planning to do here in a bit to 25N, in an online class. While I could learn all the info online, it would take way too long.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 11:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:44:04 -0500

While online/distance education has its place, some learning is just better when it is face to face. Being able to see (and actively participate) concepts in live-action as well as face-to-face performance evaluations, critiques, and brain-storming just cannot be replicated over a computer screen. For some MOS training, you just have to do it in person. Sure if I wanted to go FA, I could watch a video online and read about the procedures for operating field artillery, but I'm sure the nation is safer if I learned how to do it in field conditions under pressure to make sure I can actually do it when it counts. The same could be said for a combat medic saving a life, or an infantry squad leader.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 7:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 19:25:44 -0500

A definite and loud NO! There are already too many required annual training courses on-line. The quality of instruction of attending at a brick and mortar schoolhouse cannot be matched via the on-line medium. Not to mention that student interaction (face to face) with instructors and other students cannot be replaced with on-line classes. Multiple points of view, heard directly, instead of having to read on posts is also instrumental to building a person's ability to 1) Speak in front of others 2) Be able to defend their position verbally.

Just my two cents - but I just completed ILE on-line because my year group was so backed-up and I went into a functional area...and HATED it.