Online, live, real-time Zoom meetings replaced in-person classes for our Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) designation classes six years ago.
In-person classes come to an end
Six years ago, on March 15, 2020, we conducted our last in-person, on-location Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) class. We had a good run, teaching them for 14 years. However, what we have now is so much better.
Of course, with online Zoom-format classes, people have had various experiences that they bring along with them to the new setting. Some people have experienced pre-recorded sessions that are simply replayed at the scheduled time. Some might be used to on-demand programs that can be taken to accommodate the student’s schedule. Some may have experiences with joining in at various times throughout the day and picking up where they were previously.
Regardless, the in-person format was far more challenging for all concerned. The site had to be available on the dates in question and then set up to accommodate the program. People had to make travel and lodging arrangements unless they were local, and even at that, commuting took additional time. Air travel, rental cars, and hotels can be quite challenging.
Ushering in a better way
Since April 2020, we have conducted hundreds of CAPS classes to hundreds of participants from around the United States, Canada, and the rest of the world. Only Antarctica is unrepresented.
We’ve also added several of our own original classes to the line-up.
All special travel arrangements were eliminated, including overnight lodging.
This makes it so much easier and convenient for people to attend – even from other time zones. Just join in from where you are and take the class. There is nothing to plan or arrange. We can even help you work around scheduled appointments that can’t be moved.
Facilitating learning
In this informal format, people feel more comfortable attending, everyone has their favorite chair and refreshments, and no one is blocking the view.
Decisions to attend can be made at the last minute. Since there are no travel arrangements to make, schedules can be very fluid. Someone can find out at the last minute that they can attend a particular class and enroll. If they were registered for a later one, and they want to move it, that’s easy also.
In short, the online classes are geared to learning and to the student.