Houston's Premier Scuba and Dive Shop Oceanic Ventures Inc.

(713) 523-3483 (dive)
5808 Newcastle Drive
Houston, TX 77401

We have programs for the entire family!

Web Based Classroom Presentations

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Our Approach

Because we have students from all areas of the country, we have developed a system that allows you to begin your technical training in our virtual classroom.  During these sessions you will be joined by your instructor and fellow students for the knowledge portion of the class.  We will then meet at another location for the skill and diving portions of the program.  This system allows for more actual dive time and strengthens the learning environment during the later phases of the program.

 The System

Before your class, your instructor will email you a link to the virtual classroom with any instructions you will need to attend the session.  When you arrive in the classroom, you will find the slides shown on a portion of the screen and a video link with your instructor in another part.  The other participants video feed is also accessible in the Video window.  You may ask questions using your microphone or, you will also notice a portion of the screen dedicated to a “chat” window where you can ask questions or make other comments.  It is sometimes necessary because the instructor may turn off the student’s microphones to eliminate annoying background noise.  Some segments of the lectures may be pre-recorded lectures from other instructors or specialists in the field.  There may also be a recording of your classroom session.  We use these recording to help improve our instruction and to use as a make-up session for students unable to attend the class on the assigned evening.  Your instructor can prneude you with the link if this option is available.

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What You Will Need

In order to connect with our virtual classroom, you will need the following equipment:

  • Computer, running windows XP or greater or an Apple based system capable of running Adobe Flash software, or
  • An iPad or iPhone with the Adobe Connect Application
  • Web camera
  • A headset with a microphone and speakers.  This helps reduce background noise and reverb; and, it lets you hear your instructor better.
  • An internet connection.

 How to Get Started

Entering the virtual classroom is easy.  Be sure to hook-up your video camera, headphones and microphone before entering the classroom.  When you are ready to join the group, use the link your instructor sent you to access the system.  You may need to create a login the first time you use the system.  When you arrive in the classroom, please check your microphone and video camera.  You should also be able to hear your instructor and be receiving a video feed as well as a feed for the presentation.

You should plan on arriving fifteen (15) minutes before your scheduled class start time so you can resolve any issues prior to the start of class.  Your instructor should be available in the virtual classroom thirty (30) minutes before class starts.

 Working With Your On-Line Instructional Staff

Students react favorably to their experiences in our virtual classroom sessions.  Your instructor is available to assist you during your classroom session as well as outside of the classroom session.  It is important that you ask questions and participate in the class.  If you feel you need more time, your instructor is available to help you.  Please feel free to contact them anytime via email or by phone.  We have found that for many questions, email works better because of time zone differences and work schedules.  If you are having trouble communicating with your instructor, please do not hesitate to email or call Eric Keibler at neutech@oceanicventures.net or at 713.523.3483.  You can also reach Ann Keibler at ann@oceanicventures.net or at 713.523.3483.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: The presentation keeps going in and out and stopping.

A: Sometimes students do not have enough bandwidth for two-way voice and video feeds.  If you are experiencing these issues, try turning your video camera off.  This should help with this situation.  You may have to restart the session if turning your video off does not work.

Q: The instructor does not answer my chat messages timely.

A: If your class includes students attending the class in the actual classroom, your instructor may not see the chats as they come in.  He or she will check the screen periodically and answer your messages at that time.