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Comment by TaoMountain on November 4, 2009 at 9:58pm

Thanks for sharing David. These are really fantastic resources. I am going to show some of these to my college class on Asian religions.

Comment by David Roylance on November 4, 2009 at 12:02am

Hey Everyone, I realize this is off topic but figured I would share something.....I recently came back from a 1-month trip in Thailand. Sept 2009 I spent the entire month in Thailand doing all sorts of things. I shot a lot of video from activities and events rarely seen by Westeners.

Like this video http://forum.thai-institute.com/forum/topics/video-personal-story-of-a

Its a glimpse into the personal story of an individual becoming a monk and disrobing just before major nature weather events across Asia.

There are a lot of other videos at http://forum.thai-institute.com/page/audiovisual-library

Feel free to watch and or share them with others. I hope you enjoy, David

PS - More are on the way.

Comment by Enrique Dianti on October 31, 2009 at 10:40am

Hi all!

Well, the thing is that I already believe 100% in personal relationships, and most between students and teachers, so, when I consider an online course as a good way to study, I´m considering it just like something that increases the personal relationship. I didn´t say anything about this before, because it´s so obvious to me that I just consider it done.

So, I think an online course (based on a personal relationship) can help..., like when I read a book to study, but the difference is that this "book" is alive, if the teacher changes his mind he can just say it (while once you write a book, that´s it, if you change your mind no one will know, unless you write another one).

So, this is the way I believe this kind of course can really help, but I wouldn´t like it if the teacher and the students doesn´t know each other, and keep meeting.

Hugs!
PS: if I change my mind, I´ll write about it! ;-)

Comment by Rick Haesche on October 30, 2009 at 7:24pm

It will come down that which we're most comfortable with, and whatever we allow ourselves to grow into... for example, i just used a PowerPoint presentation last week for the first time at a conference for the AMTA, and while i was a little nervous and skeptical in the preparation of it, the execution came off great! When technology is paired up with a face to face, personal, hands-on presentation, it enhances the learning experience.

Comment by TaoMountain on October 29, 2009 at 10:40pm

re Nikki's comment: It does change the dynamics, doesn't it ! It changes the teaching into the dissemination of information instead of the guiding of students, changes the teacher into the preacher instead of the facilitator, etc. You definitely lose something with this form of teaching, but at the end of the day, I agree with Enrique: in certain cases, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Comment by Nikki Manzie on October 29, 2009 at 12:46pm

I really appreciate this discussion... Since I moved across the country, I have often thought about the ways I can support students who still want to deepen their training, but are unable to afford traveling several times a year for all of the material. Online course-work has been in the background as a way of digesting some of the theory... And, as a vehicle to expand the opportunities I have in Canada to offer a college certificate/diploma in these modalities -- well, the possibilities are endless and exciting.

However, here's what I struggle with: the dynamics in a classroom, especially with experiential training (even when it is "theory") cannot be matched online. Much of what I offer these days is truly fleshed out and made "deep" simply because of "presence" -- me to the students, and them to each other. The training I am currently offering is unparalleled in depth -- I've been offering trainings since 1998, and this is exactly what I have been working toward -- the depth of connectivity and the "magic" of transmutation by engaging (in-person) in a co-created journey of personal transformation as well as skill development. I am very blessed!

So, how does one translate that to something on-line? While i see the absolute potential of the technology, and i even partake of it for my own learning-purposes, at the same time, i question how much i want to encourage that as a means of offering teachings. Yes, we all agree that hands-on training needs to be done in the presence of a teacher and guide. And I also feel that the transmission of theory has a different power, depth and potential if offered skillfully and within the container of personal interaction, where the teachings "live" and can be experienced directly, in a gently guided relationship of trust. All the questions, languaging, shifts in awareness -- the words of encouragement, or of correction, or of guidance, the smile i offer, the nod, the hug -- all of these add up to a very different experience than something offered remotely.

As people who practice energy medicine, i think we all understand that there is something communicated in the resonant fields, that happens on the subtle levels, that is "transmitted" and not just "communicated", even in transmitting theory/ information... So, how to create that through the technology at hand has not made itself apparent to me at this time. And, do i want to encourage that (partake) as a means of offering teachings? Basically, what do i want to support as a means of offering teachings, and can i stay true to what I choose to offer? This is my personal dilemma.

So, I do appreciate the on-going debate -- it offers me an opportunity to "chew" on it all... I'll add in my thoughts as they arise. And i appreciate hearing other peoples experiences. thank you

Comment by Rick Haesche on October 29, 2009 at 11:51am

I love the idea of theory being offered online/distance. Absolutely let's use the technology for the highest good!

Regarding hands-on classes, I've had students attend a "level I" class, then ask for DVDs and other visual aids, which I've been procrastinating about. I have found that for good solid practice support, nothing compares to having them come back for what we call "Practice Sessions" where I verbally cue, and have an experienced intern working (as a visual cue) while the students all follow along. We do the basic routine dance together, then exchange. We make sure there is time for questions and clarification of techniques and transitions.

This may not be practical if you travel far to present for a week then leave, but what if there was a network of practitioners/instructors that could sponsor the practice sessions? I understand what Paul is talking about -the key to learning this work is supported, supervised practice!

Comment by Paul Cramer on October 29, 2009 at 9:30am

It's good to hear all the comments and ideas here. In many ways, the internet provides more ways of sharing. For students who can use extra encouragement, ask questions and have a feeling of keeping in touch, on-line modes can be beneficial. It seems to me that one of the hindrances of people keeping up their practice is that once they get back to their home after a course, they lose that sense of connection.

I completely agree in regards to teaching the actual practice though, it would be impossible. If anything, it seems to me that students need more time face to face. And how to do that for some people is a real challenge.

Comment by Enrique Dianti on October 29, 2009 at 8:56am

Hi Kelly!

I study the theory of the Thai Traditional Medicine, and without internet it would be almost impossible for me, as I live in Argentina, so far away from my teachers..., so internet and online study have beccome quite important.

I also have some student with whom I can discuss some subjects, all of them theorical, of course.

So, even if I´m not offering any online course so far, I thinks it can be a very good tool and a way to help others with their study...

;-)

Comment by Kelly Kidson on October 29, 2009 at 8:41am

I agree.... I cringe at the thought of an hands on class being offered via anything but hands on.. but, I think culture and ethics are almost equally important however often students are less willing or able to travel for those classes. I'd like down the line to be able to share more things from this side of the pond (NE Thailand + Laos) so I am interested in the feedback..

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