When returning to this Forum after several years away, I notice there are a couple of new developments related to the SSCA that some of you here, both active cruising folks and also 'dreamers' and those in the prep stage, might want to know about. One of them is the Seven Seas University.
What is it: A webinar-type 'classroom' that can put cruisers from anywhere in the world together with an instructor offering information on a topic of interest. One needs a basic computer, typical cybercafe,
wifi or comparable
internet access, and a headset/boom mike. Topics can be proposed by anyone, as can the identity of presenters. These will be vetted and the ones offering subject matter diversity and sufficient interest can be put in the queue by the SSU's Registrar, Tom Theisen, for
delivery.
It's Potential: While common in business and some specialty venues, the webinar
concept is new to the cruising community. However, it's hard to imagine it's limits in meeting cruising-related
learning needs. Imagine 'Noonsite Live' in the sense that there are no geographic restrictions, no travel costs (for presenters or attendees), and the topics are as relevant and diverse as the participants want them to be. Here's a simple example: Imagine some
Med cruisers heading for a
winter in
Turkey, others who are crossing the Indian and know the Eastern
Med is in their future, and still others are back 'home' but plan on returning to their boats located in the Med. All these folks are in different
parts of the world and don't even know one another...but one interest they all may well have in common is
learning more about the Eastern Med Yacht Rally. [Or any similar cruising event where hearing from those who have already 'done it' would prove useful and interesting]. All it takes is to express that interest and it is possible to put a presentation on-line on that subject. The ways in which the content is delivered is also quite flexible: 'visual lecture' (you see the person), powerpoint files (which can be shared/downloaded, as can resource lists, content summaries, etc.), 'white board' sketching, and so forth. Another interesting feature (which is a hoot!) is that all the attendees can 'chat' to one another (privately) and/or pose a Q or comment on a topic to the rest of the group or to the instructor. This all makes it into a very rich sharing
environment, not just a didactic, one-way lecture.
What's it cost? Depends. Some seminars are free (one of the SSCA's missions is to serve as a 'public service'), most will have a fee which depends on the length of the session (we've already had one that's lasted some weeks), the amount of prep involved, the amount of IT support (Tom's time) it takes, and the talent needed to present it. Members get a
price break over non-members but it's open to everyone, worldwide.
More info? Visit
The Seven Seas Cruising Association - IX - sevenseasu_info
Jack
WHOOSH, lying Ortega River outside
Jacksonville, FL USA
Linear Mode
Recent Discussions