After my class, I went out on line and collected three binders worth of papers and discussions on decompression theory, because the simple methods of table use fell so far short of satisfying my curiosity.
This, unfortunately, is the polar opposite to what most OW students would do. I'm also interested in deco theory, at least in a casual way, and I'm also naturally curious about quantitative relationships and function. But most new divers just want to dive.
So, that leaves the question of, what is the best possible way to train people beginning to dive, who are unlikely to enjoy learning about the table or retain any significant understanding of them? Do you try to give them a better conceptual understanding, or provide them with specific instructions on actions they should take. Certainly it's a mixture, but PADI course material really emphasizes the practical rather than the conceptual. This frustrates those of us that enjoy the conceptual, but maybe better serves the majority of new divers.
I still think the wheel is a very useful tool, but I realize I'm way out in left field with that view. Visually I think it does a good job of demonstrating the continuous increase/decrease in N2 exposure via time/depth, and I think it's actually helpful in planning real-life dive profiles. I carry it on every dive trip, and it's my back up in case of computer failure.
I use a computer just like everyone else, and ultimately we have to accept the fact that 99% of new divers that actually continue diving beyond OW will use a dive computer. So incorporating it's use into the OW class makes sense to me. The problem here is that while most divers would use tables to plan dives, their use of computers is essentially reactive rather than proactive. This could help instill a habit of not planning dives, which to me is a basic problem many new divers have.
I have not read this entire thread, so forgive me if I'm repeating something someone else already said.
