Yachtmaster Theory Options Distance learning?

[sailor22]

I cannot emphasise too much the benefit of sitting down in a classroom with a bundle of others like-minded folk who are after the same as you from a confident competent instructor. Together you all come out of it, so much better than sitting at home. All that interaction, others asking the question you had not thought of or had felt it to stupid or embarassing to ask, banter, between lessons chats, makes for a much better more confident student when out on the water doing the practical work.

To me as a practical instructor, the home learning students stand out a mile, unfortunately.

Bite the bullet and give some nice school your pennies. You will not regret it.

No, I do not own a school!

 

[Bru]

I've just started in on my yachtmaster theory with Splash Sea Schopl and so far so good

infinitely preferable to me than being stuck in a class room environment using up holiday is rather devote to sailing

and I can learn art my own pace, whizzing through the stuff I already know and taking time to learn properly the stuff I don't - which for me is the entire purpose of the exercise ( I'm really not that bothered about getting certificates etc, it's the knowledge I want)

distance learning isn't going to be right for everybody but it's as valid a way of studying as any other method

 

[Uricanejack]

I have never done an online course.
I agree with those who point out the interaction with other students is often a valuable learning experience in itself.
I have never been good at home study, there is always something more important like making a cup of tea.
I learn far better and quicker with interaction.

(you don’t want to be my instructor for anything, I’m extremely annoying, I question everything and answer everything when I’m not supposed to, and never do any of the homework or home study)

Unfortunately most course are set up to be convenient for most people. They don't work for me.

Work and other commitments usually make the weekly night class impossible and frustrating.
I tried doing this for my PPL. Quite halfway through it was to slow, Same problem with BSAC. Frustratingly slow and very difficult to fit in.
(I did complete both, doing all in one go version)

I would find the weekend option best but getting three weekends in a row virtually impossible.

Although I wont study anything to save my life. If I find something interesting I will pursue it at my own pace.

I did find during forced time off due to an accident, Stuck home unable to work sucks.

To pass the time. I did one of those home mechanic course’s you see advertised in magazines and on late night TV. I even got a certificate from some bogus organisation. To stick on my wall and say I’m a qualified car mechanic.

I found it interesting, looked forward to each instalment coming in the mail. l Did the exams online. Mail is frustratingly slow.

Not the same as a class room but I liked it.

Given the difficulties my life imposes on the ordinary schedule

I think I would quite enjoy an on line yacht master course.

 

[Border Terrier]

i started a law degree at home and didnt finish it, then did a home study course for yachtmaster, didn't complete it in the year allocated, so paid more to extend it, still didnt do it! Was given a great opportunity by the local sailing school to do the 5 day course, but was to start without any notice, so went for it and passed! Without being pushed, i wouldn't have done it! Better to do a classroom course i think with interaction with others. good luck

+1........One day I will finish my Spanish course!

 

[nigelmercier]

I have never done an online course...

I did a whole degree that way with the OU, then became a tutor. Their course materials are superb, so I can spot bad ones a mile off.

NMCS: Excellent
Tiller: Terrible

 

[Tucepi]

I tried the online course with Navathome and materials seemed ok, and with me travelling for work each week I thought would be an ideal option. Few months later it wasn't working out and I joined a local yacht club course over 3 weekends. Very much enjoyed the instructor, the other delegates and being kept to time to complete topics and passed the exam. So depends on your learning style but classroom was my preference.

 

[Bru]

To add to my previous ... I've just worked through a load of "homework" chart excercises reasonably successfully but I will admit it would have been nice to know how accurate my chartwork is compared to other people doing to course as although I was in the ball park on every excercise and I *think* I was accurate enough I don't have any yardstick to measure my work by

So that is a downside of doing it by distance learning

 

[petedg]

Ive recently completed my YM theory with Chichester Marine.
Took a bit longer than 3 weeks for me but you can do it at your own pace.
Never had to wait very long for an email reply.
Thoroughly satisfied, no connection etc.

+1 for Chichester marine. Due to location and work commitments I wanted to do a course at home at times to suit me. I found the course tutor very helpful and the responses quick. No connection, recommended as a satisfied customer.

 

[Sneaky Pete]

I took the YM course again a couple of years ago as a way of refreshing my knowledge and to make sure I hadn't got into any bad habits.

But it was dire. The instructor knew next to nothing and what she did know, was unable to convey in any intelligible way.

instructors must be approved by the RYA if the qualification is an RYA one. Did you complain did you ask for your money back were you able to give feedback at the end of the course. Surely you had a feeling the instructor was gash. I have found night school at the nautical college excellent and would highly recommend. In a class with like minded people is the way forward IMHO.

 

[[70521]]

I did a whole degree that way with the OU, then became a tutor. Their course materials are superb, so I can spot bad ones a mile off.

Some of us have not been that bad, but the OU are pretty amazing when it comes on online learning

 

[MagicIsland]

My wife did her DS & YM Theory with http://www.centaursailing.com/ , material is great and you have choice of assisted or unassisted course, even the unassisted you get feedback on a mock exam.