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Home-Study Conundrum

Here's a topic that's been hotly-debated among many educators. Please join in by visiting my blog at http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/tech-talk/2009/08/14/home-study-conundrum/#comment-514. I've posted some 'teaser' comments by Art Riggs and Tom Myers on this controversial subject. Also check out the insightful comments by Whitney Lowe @ http://www.massagemag.com/News/massage-news.php?id=7523&catid=251&title=home-study-ce-conundrum

Here's a sample of my contribution after several years of kicking this subject around with the above mentioned educators. Don't like to write on political issues...feel my time is better spent focusing on the stuff I love. But we've decided this issue needs finally needs to be addressed:

In 2007, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) surprised many in the massage and bodywork community with this announcement: Videos of any type could no longer be included in home-study and online courses unless NCBTMB approved instructors offer one-day workshops to monitor and test home-study participants on the techniques presented in the videos. Furthermore, home-study reading material was restricted from displaying photos or diagrams of hands-on techniques without a one-day testing seminar. Bottom line: Continuing education credits could only be granted upon successful completion of the home-study program in addition to the one-day supervised workshop if any hands-on techniques were displayed in the material.

Since 1999, the Freedom From Pain Institute® had been an NCBTMB approved provider. Over the years, participant evaluations have enthusiastically confirmed our view that high-quality reading and video programs provide a much needed service to the community. We’ve found that well-designed home-study programs often spark a passion that encourages students to further enhance their skills by attending live presentations…if their physical and/or financial condition permits. (The rest of this article appears in the links listed above.)

Please state your case and make it a fun dialogue...thx...ERIK

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Comment by Bert Davich on September 29, 2009 at 1:43am: Erik,
I can only say that Art Riggs "Deep Tissue Massage & Myofascial Release" DVD's have transformed my practice in a way that a "live class" never could have. I have watched the DVD's more that 10 times all the way through and certain segments more like 25 times to pick up the nuances. The success has been greater than I ever imagined. Had I taken a live course I would not have the skills I have developed simply because I would have seen it only ONCE, and this is a 70 hour series. This was not for CEU credit, it was for the knowledge, but I can't imagine why this method of learning would be rejected by any governing body that was concerned with the profession. I now have a rule that with rare exceptions, I will only take a live course if there is a quality DVD that I can review later. Otherwise I have wasted too much time (and money) for too little knowledge I will be able to use later with confidence. I have seen some of your clips as well as Doug's and they are on my list, CEU's or not.. Oh and thanks, I just started the Osteopathic courses you recommended from Michigan State. What a gold mine!
Namaste'
Bert Davich

Comment by Erik Dalton on September 21, 2009 at 10:22am: Kudos to Angela and Chris for following up with our home-study concerns. I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever decision NCB makes. I'm elated the board has chosen to take a hard look at this issue....that's a big step in the right direction....mucho thx....ERIK

Comment by Angela Palmier on September 19, 2009 at 12:20am: Hi Zac,
Chris Alvarado and I started working with NCB the beginning of September as Industry Relations Specialists.

Comment by Zac Carter on September 18, 2009 at 10:23pm: I just wanted to mention that it can be fairly easy to create your very own online educational environment, and Free! check out these links.

Moodle is a Course Management System (CMS)
It is a Free web application that educators can use to create effective online learning sites.
http://moodle.org/

Dimdim Free. The world’s easiest web conference.
With Dimdim Free, people and organizations around the world can now meet freely.
http://www.dimdim.com/opensource/dimdim_open_source_community_edition.html

and.. http://www.youtube.com or http://www.livestream.com

Comment by Angela Palmier on September 18, 2009 at 9:41pm: Hi Zac,
Nope----not dreaming--and wide awake. I know that there have been many, many posts about "the same old....." but I assure you---it truly has changed. We also know that it is going to take some time, and alot of good, solid, consistent actions to demonstrate that to the profession. We just need a chance to prove it. I wish that every single therapist could spend a couple of hours at that office---it's incredible. I almost feel like calling Ripley himself! ;) Have a great weekend!
Angie

Comment by Zac Carter on September 18, 2009 at 9:34pm: So Angela, do you work for NCBTMB?

Comment by Zac Carter on September 18, 2009 at 9:30pm: Wow, sorry what happened? Am I asleep, dreaming? "We will review the current DE policy with regard to this issue and will provide a response within 30 days from today"

That's great! I thought that they just ignore these kind of things. Curious to see what info they will offer in 30 days.

Comment by Angela Palmier on September 17, 2009 at 8:31pm: Please feel free to post this message to your friends/fellow therapists/blogs, etc. I'm new at the "blogging" thing so I'm not sure how to share the links.

Angie

Comment by Susan G. Salvo on September 17, 2009 at 3:51pm: Nice -

Comment by Mike Hinkle on September 17, 2009 at 3:26pm: Now that's customer service!!!!

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