New CUBA member here trying to plan out my continuing education credits. I see there are both online and in-person options for the required ethics training. The online modules are obviously more convenient, but I'm wondering if the in-person sessions provide better networking opportunities and more nuanced discussion of real-world scenarios. What's been everyone's experience with the different formats?
CUBA continuing education - online vs in-person ethics training?
Faye, I've done both and there are definitely benefits to each. The online modules are great for covering the basic requirements efficiently, but the in-person sessions allow for more interactive discussion of gray areas. Last year's session in Denver had some really valuable case study discussions that you just can't get from clicking through online content. If you can swing it, I'd recommend doing at least one in-person session per renewal cycle.
Marilyn makes a good point about the case studies. The networking aspect is valuable too - I've gotten referrals and found mentorship opportunities at the in-person ethics seminars. That said, the online modules have gotten much better over the past few years. They're using more interactive scenarios now instead of just reading slides. For someone just starting out, I'd suggest trying both to see what works best for your learning style.
Welcome to CUBA, Faye! Both formats meet the certification requirements, so choose based on your schedule and learning preferences. The key is actually engaging with the content rather than just checking boxes. I've seen members complete online training while multitasking and miss important concepts. Whether online or in-person, take notes, participate in discussions, and think about how the ethics principles apply to your specific practice. The goal is building judgment skills, not just accumulating credits.