Given the unprecedented nature of the global COVID-19 pandemic, travel of ISA course presenters and participants, together with group activities, and other challenges are affecting the ability to deliver ISA Courses in our traditional model. The ISA has made the health and safety of all its stakeholders a top priority. As a result, we have developed the following guidelines for ISA Course delivery during these exceptional circumstances to support our course presenters and international instructors until conditions improve. These guidelines are issued by the ISA as a short-term solution to ensure safe and successful delivery of ISA Courses during this time.
1. ISA Course registration protocol is maintained with course participants registering and paying for ISA Courses with the ISA Course Presenter prior to conducting the ISA Course. Where possible, this registration process should be done online and not in person.
2. ISA Course Materials are sent out in advance of the ISA Course to allow course participants the opportunity to review and study independently. It is recommended that this be done at least 3-5 days prior to the start of the ISA Course, solutions such as Google Classroom, Screencast or Zoom (see below) may also be explored.
To allow ISA course participants to digitally receive the ISA Course Materials, all course participants are required, as a condition of participation, to complete the ISA Intellectual Property Agreement and Copyright Acknowledgement.
This can be emailed to the course participants directly to sign and return to the Course Presenter. It can also be completed via the ISA Website HERE (If using online option, course presenter must submit a participant list to ISA to confirm completion)
3. ISA Courses may be conducted virtually using online platforms.
Course delivery structure can be tailored to course presenter needs and we are willing to collaborate with each of you to ensure viable solutions for course delivery. The general principle is pre-course delivery of resources for pre-study, a virtual course delivery for presenter-participant interaction, and then post-course follow up for practical requirements. To date the ISA Membership and Development Department has determined that the following are suitable options and tools for online course delivery:
Zoom: https://zoom.us/
The Zoom platform allows presenters to host courses with multiple participants, share presentations and videos, organize break-out discussions, and more. There are many tutorial videos on the Zoom YouTube Page. If you do not have a Zoom account, the ISA has set-up a Zoom account that can be utilized by ISA Course Presenters on a first-come-first serve basis. We’ve created a Google Calendar where you can schedule a time to use the platform for your ISA Courses. Please let us know the time and dates that you desire to run your virtual ISA Course so that we can populate the shared calendar and plan accordingly.
Google Classroom: https://classroom.google.com/
Google Classroom is a free web service that aims to simplify creating and distributing course resources and assignments. The primary purpose of Google Classroom is to streamline the process of sharing files between teachers and students. Google Classroom requires some coordination but can be utilized for the sharing of course materials and additional resources prior to virtual course delivery. Google Classroom still requires a virtual course delivery either using Zoom, Google Hangouts, or a similar platform.
Screencast: https://screencast-o-matic.com/
Screencast is another free/low-cost resource that allows users to record videos of themselves talking over presentations or videos. This resource can be used for some of the pre-course delivery and study for course participants.
If you have other online solutions that you wish to adopt, these will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be presented to the ISA for approval in advance of use. We will do our best to update all presenters with resources and feedback to maximize the use of online platforms for ISA Course delivery over the coming weeks.
4. Practical Course Requirements (Venue Analysis, Lesson Plan, Lesson Delivery, Surf/SUP Skills Test) We are willing to accept creative solutions for course participants to prove competencies in the practical requirements of the ISA Course. The following are examples of implementation strategies we are open to consider:
Video submission as evidence of course participant’s surf/SUP skills assessment
Lesson delivery may be conducted either during virtual course interaction or followed up via video submission assessment
Venue Analysis may be done at local beach, where allowed, and returned for assessment or course presenter may provide example beach scenario during the virtual course interaction. This competency will also be demonstrated during Post-Course practical coaching hours.
5. Extension of Timeframe for Post-Course Requirements:
Over the coming months, the ISA has extended the timeframe for the completion of post-course requirements by 6 months to allow 18 months for all course participants to complete the necessary follow up to complete their ISA Certification. This includes completing the Water Safety award and the 20 practical coaching hours and course workbook. Depending on the evolution of the pandemic, we may consider another 6-month extension, when necessary.
Thank you for your part in creating “A Better World Through Surfing” and for your flexibility and ability to adapt during these exceptional times. Regardless, please be sure to prioritize the health and safety of yourselves, your course participants, and your surfing communities at all times. We consider the above guidelines to be imperative for the coming months, and until further notice. You may resume delivery of the courses in our traditional model, only when regulations allow and it is entirely safe to do so. The ISA will continue to regularly review and evaluate these guidelines in relation to long-term course delivery options.
Please contact ISA Membership and Development Manager Alex Reynolds with any questions.
