ABSTRACT
Online training e ¤rst area we will explore regarding this issue is the trend toward online training for ¤rst responders. Some states refer to the online training classes and courses as a virtual academy. In many ways, it is a virtual academy, but in many others, it is without substantial merit. In fact, I have spoken with a great many student graduates of virtual academies, and I will agree to call them virtual. However, in my opinion, the students gain virtually nothing from these classes and class o erings. Under the doctrines of NIMS, and other executive orders, which vary from state to state, certain training requirements have been mandated and outlined. Given the ¤nancial inability to cover overtime costs and to pay instructors to come to teach the required classes, the concept of providing responders with training courses online was devised. While I don’t really have an issue with the intent of the program, the application has a lot to be desired. Several components of this online or virtual training will be discussed throughout this chapter, leaving the reader to decide whether or not the training strategies endorsed by these programs are e ective.
