Augmenting Military Education by Hiring Online Educators

Online education is making its way throughout the higher education world. Particularly, the military has been adopting online education in their approach to training soldiers but they do not always understand how to teach such concepts as effectively as possible. The movement to online education does create new challenges for military education. There may be a case for hiring online professors into the military for developing "in-house" curriculum.

We should first understand that military education will never be 100% online because there is the need to train physically and in person to establish close social bonds among platoon mates. Likewise, there will be a need to train with specific types of equipment, weapons, and movements that rely on physical presence. Online education augments and enhances many of the traditional approaches.

It is possible to augment education, and a big part of this education, to further knowledge. For example, students that are working in part within logistics and supply can use online education to understand inventory, movement of goods, and simulated problems. A similar idea can be applied to other fields as well.

The same can be said for troop movement and coordination. While much of this is done online, at an officer level, it will be important to learn the background of why these movements are adopted. The same can be said for strategy and general management where theory and "hands on" experience are needed.

A study of Canada's Military indicates that online technologies are not being fully utilized because many of the instructors don't know how to teach online, are rooted in classical military traditions, and learning technologies may be adapting too quickly for the slower military system (Scoppio & Covell, 2016).

There is a need for skilled online practitioners within the ranks of the U.S. military. There are fundamental differences in learning styles between the ground based and online modalities. Hiring online instructors may be a worthwhile investment for the military as they develop the curriculum needed for the next century.

Military education could be enhanced if we integrate online and ground based "field" learning to solidify the concepts. They can work in parallel where those skilled in actual hands on experience train in real time while those who are more skilled in online education can enhance and deepen the soldiers knowledge base. The learning curriculum will need to be designed to develop and update military abilities in a well coordinated manner.


Scoppio, G. & Covell, L. (2016). Mapping Trends in Pedagogical Approaches and Learning Technologies: Perspectives from the Canadian, International, and Military Education Contexts. The Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 46 (2).

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Students in Online Quantitative Methods Courses Earn Grades Slightly Lower than Face-to-Face Students

Who says that online education isn't difficult? According to a study of upper level quantitative methods courses it was found that students in the online course earned 17% less points/grade than those in the face-to-face course (Verhoeven & Wakeling, 2011). The authors contend that there may be some differences in effectiveness but there may be other issues as well.

First, students in the U.S. often have problems in math and quantitative measurements. It is something that even confuses doctors. They may need more intensity to learn these concepts. It can be tough if you can't ask questions, receive clarification, or have someone who can go back on a problem.

There could also be a difference between those who opt for an online versus ground based course. If the student doesn't live in the area, has a busy schedule, or doesn't like to drive the campus they may experience more distractions that limit their ability to study.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the delivery methods used in the course are not as strong as they should be. Many public universities have only recently adopted online education and may not be able to move out of their traditional roles to change their learning style or implement technologies (like online math tutorials) or office hours to help students get over the "math hump".

Thus, online learning must be designed well to maximize its benefits or otherwise there may be risks in learning effectiveness. However, those who can go through an online educational course, receive high grades, and maintain their persistence have show some positive traits when compared to those in a traditional setting that received a similar grade.

Verhoeven, P. & Wakeling, V. (2011). Student Performance In A Quantitative Methods Course Under Online And Face-To-Face Delivery. American Journal of Business Education (Online), 4 (11).

Learning Chinese Military Style Boxing Via Online 3D Methods

Boxing is an important sport of skill, speed, fitness and self-defense. It is used in military and recreational aspects. It is possible to learn boxing via online 3D applications. This indicates that stronger media channels with rich content often lead to learning more than videos alone. The adaption of such methods can work in the military and higher education to improve learning.

A study of traditional video and 3D learning of Chinese Military Boxing found that those who used the richer media channel ended up learning more (Yang, et. al. 2013). The authors argue that such applications can be applied to other physical activities like gymnastics and Thai Chi.

Why is this study helpful?

Whether you are in the military, a fitness center, or a gym you will find that 3D instruction provides greater learning value. It is possible for users to stop, scroll, turn vantage points, and take in more information.

3D provides a way in which a person can move to a more truer 3X dimension where they can see actions and movements from multiple perspectives. The same concept may apply equally well to other items students must become accustomed with. 2X dimensional learning leaves out the ability to change vantage points and the amount of information encoded.

Yang, et. al (2013). Natural interaction based online military boxing learning system. International Journal of Distance Educational Technologies, 11 (3).

Group Dynamics and Social Interaction Tips

Whether you are trying to understand social networks or you are engaging with a new group of people try and understand the overall group dynamics. The process also works within business meetings and work groups. Each group has their own influencers, motivations, culture and personalities.

When you begin to understand a group better you also begin to see better ways to influence the group and create more productive outcomes. People change within groups and their public opinions may not be the same as their private ones.

For example, if you are hosting a work group you will want to understand these dynamics in order to set rules, interact, and influence. You may also use the same concept when social marketing and trying to influence opinion.

1.) Watch Who Leads and Who Follows in Groups: In any group there are those who are more vocal, give more direction, and make more decisions. Determine who the influencers are and how they signal the rest of the members.

2.) Understand Motivations: Each person has a motivation to engage, make decisions, and interact with members. Understanding these motivations improves the ability to relate to members based on their needs.

3.) Understand the Group Culture: Each group creates norms. They may be as simple as the type of music someone likes to listen to as well as the choices over food. When you understand the culture you will also understand the actions that fit within the norms.

4.) Connect Individually and with the Group: Connect with people on a group and on an individual level. They are two different types of people. The opinions someone holds or how they act can be strikingly different than what they are willing to express in a group.

The Innovation of Blank Spaces

Sometimes the best ideas don't come from pushing but from sitting still. Blank spaces are as productive for creation as  study and insight through focused diligence. It is those times we stand upon the work of the past just to let the brain do its work in the background. While we may feel that hard work and pushing oneself to the limits leads to the creation of new ideas it is those quite times that capitalize on our prior work.

We cannot deny that red eye efforts that lead to new scientific breakthroughs but it is often the subconscious solitude that brings forward the new and unique. The best ideas come through when we least expect them. They are the times when nothingness becomes your best friend.

Eureka is the moment a new creation and connection comes together! It is the time when things make sense and something profound comes through. The inventors most productive time is when they are lying on a bed, having a cup of coffee, or just rubbing the crust out of their eyes.

New connections among different ideas means creating more neural connections. This doesn't occur well if you are forced into a line of thinking. Creative and novel thinking generates more ideas that can be analyzed later.

Free your mind by spending some quiet time walking a beach, engaging in yoga or just sitting and thinking without anything that needs to be done. Work hard and learn but also create blank spaces where you can integrate this knowledge. Use push and pull to create the most inventive environments.

Supporting Make a Wish Foundation Through the Love of Sailing

A consistent but moderate breeze,an experienced three person crew, we sailed out of the Coronado's Navy Yacht Club on a bright sunny day. The light boat stole the wind quickly roaring the sails to life. There wasn't much room but with our feet securely locked into a strap we were able to push the boat as fast as we could take it. We enjoyed the sun, competition and contribution that came with it!

Sailing is a lifestyle that brings you to all types of events, ports and a community of sailors. Some love it because they feel the freedom of it, others may love it as a new challenge, while still others  feed off of the competition!

For me sailing is about exploring. I have often marveled at past explorers who traversed parts of the globe with confidence that make most of us today shudder with fear. I sometimes conjure an image that maybe in the future, if time and skill permit, I will be sailing my boat in the Antarctica taking photos of nature's economic contribution and conducting some type of publishable research.

There are many learning steps between here and there. Sailing on teams provides a great way to get your "feet wet" and learn techniques from a variety of experts. Each one has their own "nugget" of knowledge. The best part about it is that most races contribute financially by raising awareness of a cause making the whole affair doubly beneficial.

Proceeds of this particular Beer Can Race went to Make a Wish Foundation. They give the following description:

Granting wishes to kids with life-threatening medical conditions gives them more than an amazing experience. A wish come true has the power to make kids feel stronger, more courageous, and more determined to overcome their illnesses. Many families and healthcare providers believe the wish experience is the turning point in a wish kid's battle against their illness.




You don't need to be sailing to contribute. A $50 donation goes a long way!

Donate to Make a Wish Foundation