In another topic, jimmydeanno commented on cadets completing NIMS-700. I thought that I'd pass along how our squadron got it done.
Since the course basically consists of watching slides and answering test questions, we just had everyone (cadets and seniors) do it at the same time. I downloaded the slides from the FEMA website, and printed out the test. We then showed the slides on a projector in the squadron, and students filled in their answer sheets as we covered the material.
We set up six computers with Internet access throughout the squadron, and assigned a proctor to each station. Members took turns creating an account on the FEMA website and took the test on-line. The proctors assisted in navigating through the FEMA website and made sure each test was an individual effort. After certificates were received from FEMA, we set up computers again for members to enter SQTR data via e-services.
The training and testing took up most of two meeting nights. We rotated cadets out of drill for SQTR entry at the following week's meeting. We had planned this two months in advance to take advantage of September having a 5th Tuesday, and the 4th Tuesday is ES anyways, so the normal schedule wasn't interupted. Except for a couple of stragglers, everyone completed the program.
Lessons learned: 1) Cadets don't always know their SSN, required to create a FEMA account. 2) Cadets don't always remember their e-services password. A few had to call home for their SSN, and we had to reset a couple of passwords. 3) The ability to incorporate CAP experiences into group discussions made the material a whole lot easier to understand than completing the course at home on-line, especially for newer members or those with limited field experience.
I completely agree with your "learning points." In fact you just brought up a few things that I'll have to remember to remind our cadets of.
Next Saturday we're going to do the same thing you did. We have access to the local Department of Environmental Services building, which has aproximately 15 computers with i-net access. We've invited anyone who needs to complete the requirement, both cadet and senior. We plan on finishing by lunch so we can go ELT hunting in the afternoon.
I really think that one of the advantages will be the ability to discuss how the particular topic relates to how we do things. Thanks for the topic EMT...
I have sean many different approaches to "group learning" for EMI courses. Just remember that the test taker affirms that their test is an individual effort.
Also I have no tolerance for "responders" who have taken the independent study courses, and don't have even a basic understanding of the course material (no matter how old or young they are)
isuhawkeye speaks the truth....
The online I series courses are awareness ONLY!! They do not replace REAL training they are just general awareness to meet basic knowledge.... They do not make anyone a responder or an IC. They are supplemental knowledge to other and further requirements.
The real meat and potatoes courses are local EM levels for State certification and EMI in Emmittsburg, PA for real emergency management career tracks...
FOR CAP... awareness that we need to know to know who we will be working for in an incident other than Search when and if we are invited
Quote from: heliodoc on December 09, 2008, 01:58:40 AM
isuhawkeye speaks the truth....
The online I series courses are awareness ONLY!! They do not replace REAL training they are just general awareness to meet basic knowledge.... They do not make anyone a responder or an IC. They are supplemental knowledge to other and further requirements.
The real meat and potatoes courses are local EM levels for State certification and EMI in Emmittsburg, PA for real emergency management career tracks...
FOR CAP... awareness that we need to know to know who we will be working for in an incident other than Search when and if we are invited
Umm, Emmitsburg is in MD, not PA.
^^^^^
Ummm Sorry my mistake .. my seconds of being geo challenged
My original post was in regards to NIMS-700, which can be presented in a "group learning" environment. That would explain the facilitator's guide and notes available on the FEMA website.
However, I would agree that Emmitsburg is the place to go for great training. The three courses I took in residence there were outstanding.
Well, all of the courses we're looking at can be given in the classroom. I think what some of us are worrying about are people who use that as an excuse to basically walk people through the test (saw it done in CG Aux). But doing the straight out course and throwing in CAP examples is the best way to go.
When I first qualed GES back in I think 1991, we did the group thing with the General ES Questionnaire. We sat in a class, learned all the stuff, then walked through the test with the whole group at the end. I still remember a lot of that stuff from back then, when we had a CAPR 50-15? instead of the 60-3. The key was you got the training before they handed out the questionnaire. The IS-100, 200, 700, and 800 all have a lot of information in them, moreso than I will ever memorize. I don't understand why they would play the "honor rule" on the tests though... I think they should do it as a classroom and then a questionnaire like back in the day...
Dont get me wrong. I teach all of these classes. I prefer to complete these requirements in a classroom setting. Group learning activities provide some of the best retention of this material.
My problem comes in when an instructor passes out the test first, has modified the ppt to highlight all of the answers, and cues the students to fill in the answer with the highlighted verbiage.
In the end half of the class stops paying attention. They only write down what others have written, and if they miss something they look at their neighbors test.
As I said earlier there is no problem with conducting the class, but the student does affirm that their test is an individual effort.
Again, the original post is regarding IS-700. The format for IS-700 is indeed different than the other NIMS modules. Even when completing the course at home, you download the test first in order to take it on-line.
So instead of chasing a group of cadets to complete the requirement at home, we sat them down and got it done. In the process, they might have even learned something about how to apply the material to CAP. Perhaps it would have been better for them to do it at home, "check the box" on their SQTR and not learn anything.
As a professional educator, I'm most interested in OUTCOMES and RETENTION. And anything I can do to increase those is a plus.
My preferred technique for the IS-700 course is to present the material with a strong emphasis on it''s practical application to the particular audience present. Then pass out the final adult learning assessment tool. After the learners complete it on their own, discuss the questions and the correct answers (a last opportunity to reinforce what's been learned!). Finally send them on their merry way to the computer, where they can enter their answers online.
I'm good with it.
Jim Laning
Master of Arts - Adult and Continuing Education
ICS Instructor - CDP Indirect
TSgt CAP-USAF NCLR
etc...