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Heartland Patriot wrote:For the record, I thought you folks did an excellent job when I went through your class...I learned quite a bit. Thank you.

Thanks, Patriot! We are passionate about the program, and put a lot of effort into it. It is always good to know when people appreciate it, and actually learn a little bit too!

No, I was not being sarcastic. The required driving safety course has some things in common with the CHL class. It has an arbitrary required minimum time (I think it is 8 hours, but it has been so long, I don't remember for sure), and it has to cover certain topics. The online class consists of videos, with test questions at the end. You can skip the videos, and just answer the questions. But, the next section cannot be started until the minimum time is met, so you are still held hostage for a certain time period. They also have a DVD version, where you watch the DVD and answer the questions online.

I can see DPS doing something like this for CHL. After all, they are the same DPS that is in charge of driver's licenses - right? Pretty sure they had something to do with the online driver safety class.

sjfcontrol wrote:If DPS insists on the use of their powerpoint, then why not just post it online, and eliminate instructors altogether?

You mean like the online driver safety class to get you out of a traffic ticket? Yeah, I can see that happening.

Just wondering how this affects those instructors who don't use Powerpoint at all? One of our friends still does the low-tech, stand up there and talk for 10 hours, class. Will DPS force him to buy a laptop and a projector now?

I have no objection to a standardized lesson, where everyone gets the same info. And, I am happy to teach a DPS approved lesson. Just don't force me to use their method to do it. Bear in mind, I have sat through my original 40 hour DPS instructor class. And 5 DPS renewals. Trust me, I have SEEN their Powerpoint. Not impressed with their ability to make it interesting.

Now, I might be a bit more Powerpoint savvy than some (Microsoft Certified Professional). A few embedded videos here and there, a little animation, and some surprise transistions go a long way toward keeping the class interesting, and it is not that hard to do.

If DPS forces me to use their Powerpoint, then I am probably done with this. I can go back to living a normal life with weekends off.

BrianSW99 wrote:In the instructor class this morning they said DPS is working on creating their own standardized PowerPoint presentation so that all instructors would be teaching from the same material. He implied that once that's complete, it would be the only approved PowerPoint presentation.

Brian

That is just FABULOUS. Considering what a GREAT job they have done making the final exam, I can hardly wait for this. Good thing I have only put 10 or 12 years of my life into making the one I have now.