In the early stages of 2015, Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) Distance Education Coordinator James (Art) Beveridge began working with Walter Lane, Hunter Development Program Manager, Game Management, Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Jennifer Pittman, Hunting & Shooting Education Supervisor, Game Management, Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, to develop an online Hunter Education Instructor Training Program.
Until now, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GaDNR) has relied solely upon a written self-study guide, phone interviews, and instructional evaluations delivered in a live classroom setting before the general public to train and certify volunteer Hunter Education Instructors statewide. This new online course utilizes text, video, and interactive elements to teach the content all Hunter Education Instructors need to know to be successful. The content covers how to plan and schedule a Hunter Education course, how to teach (including use of voice, non-verbal communication skills, and proper use of training aids), and how to properly report attendance after the class is finished.
Additionally, a graded capstone presentation is incorporated utilizing web cam technology and a standardized grading rubric to enable more instructor candidates to be screened in a shorter amount of time, utilizing multiple reviewers while requiring less travel. Furthermore, the capstone presentations will be recorded, allowing for more than one review of each candidate should the need arise. The course content underwent a final review by GaDNR staff over the summer and the final product was introduced to instructor candidates in this month.
SRTC is administering and maintaining the program for one year, offering at least one cohort of training each month. The expectation is this class will not only meet the current need for improved instructor training, but may also lead to additional supplemental training opportunities for instructors and the general public.
“Our goal is to train the safest and most responsible hunters that can be found anywhere in the country. The Georgia Hunter Education Program began in 1964 and since that time has trained over 500,000 people to be safe, responsible hunters. One major factor that has contributed to the success of this unique program has been the involvement of dedicated volunteer hunter education instructors,” stated Walter Lane.
SRTC offers over 155 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get you quickly into your desired career, and 27 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in Ashburn, Cairo, Camilla, Moultrie, Thomasville, Tifton, and Sylvester for the convenience of our students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, log on to www.southernregional.edu.
Spring semester 2016 begins January 5th. Don’t wait, enroll today!