Brian, thanks for keeping me on my toes. - 1pt - Chris

Great overview Sarah. 1pt - Chris

Pat - I agree with Brian, good explaination, 1 pt. - Chris

Brian - good job in "jumping-in" with Teresa. 1 pt -Chris

Lori - thanks for the response and the "paper" comment (above) it really made me reflect on paper usage. 1pt -Chris

1 point Sarah - I can attest this is a group learning experience no instructor can duplicate. As an Investigative Officer we charge mariners for negligence, misconduct, or violation of law/regulation. We also try our own cases against the mariner through an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) (we the only governmental agency that allows non-lawyers to try cases). It is not in the realm of criminal and civil law as we only have to prove to a "preponderance" of the evidence vice "beyond a reasonable doubt" and most cases are prima facie. To try these cases an IO has to go to a Suspension and Revocation School where we go through the process (most of what Sarah said) from filing a Complaint, witness interviews, filing Motions, Discovery, and a mock trial with an ALJ. The instructors are "hands off" as one must digest the process because in three weeks we are "practicing." Most would not succeed in the field if this instruction were only given via PowerPoint. Sarah, it is great the law school has this class, as I understand, most law schools do not offer a course in procedure. Normally it (procedure) must be learned through reading and actual case experience. Could you, or would you, say this is a PBL type of experience (esp. if computer based precedent research is involved)?

Yes, it is hard but I find it must be reiterated consistently so the learner can comprehend the importance or start to believe what is being sold. After reflection, I am stretching the "what is in it for me," qualification is not really for the member but for the CG to have another person to be able to effect mission (inspect vsls) individually and not take another resource (another qualified inspector) for training. Most units have timelines when a person is to meet a goal (qualification) and if the goal is not met then there are consequences (i.e. lower evaluations). So, qualification is "in it for me" so I meet my personal mandated goal. Some do see it institutionally but most selfishly.

Brian - Good question and one that is not easily answered. For each lesson the objectives are given up front and followed-up with in the end. This is good as most of the test questions come from the objectives, which makes it beneficial. However, from the cognitive learning standpoint it would depend on the individual if they focused on what they were to learn up front and what they learned in the end. They are not normally emphasized only given. I think most are just happy to get through the lesson:).

Brian - Good question and one that is not easily answered. For each lesson the objectives are given up front and followed-up with in the end. This is good as most of the test questions come from the objectives, which makes it beneficial. However, from the cognitive learning standpoint it would depend on the individual if they focused on what they were to learn up front and what they learned in the end. They are not normally emphasized only given. I think most are just happy to get through the lesson:).

Lori - yes I see your point and think you are correct. However, I do think the learner's realities are convergent as they are coming to a focal point (vsl inspection) through many views. As anyone that has a boat will tell you, there are a lot of systems and machinery on a vessel. One must use mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, naval architecture (building and stability), structural fire protection, tonnage (gross and net), navigation, lifesaving firefighting (different at sea than on land), maritime security, accommodation spaces, health and occupational safety, etc. As you can see, as stated above, there are a lot of systems and the CG has to bring a lot of specialties together to be effect learning. So, for example, during a critique the mechanical engineers can guide the "deck" backgrounds and "Deck" can guide the Engineers on lifesaving systems. As explained here it is a constructivist point but I have in under cognitivism as in its basic form it is only practice with feedback and sometimes the instructor does give individual attention:).

Thanks Sarah for the insight. 1 pt - Chris

Good point Sarah. The root not just the deficencies need to be identified before building effective training. Sarah 1 pt - Chris

Good form Lori! 1 pt - Chris

Good back and forth Brian and Pat. Your partnering gave us a thourough look at industry training and its issues. I found it interesting about having to know your client's technology limitations. It is not something we nescessarily have to look at in the Coast Guard as most are on a standard workstation. 1 pt - Brian, 1 pt Pat. Chris

Good example Doug. 1 pt (Chris)

From her and I saying "we are willing to try" on the Breeze chat, to full integration of Diigo. 1 pt to Teresa for making it work. Chris