Washington state is really encouraging the on-line approach. That is followed up with a half day on site which includes a review, a quiz (to make sure the participant actually was to one who completed the course) and a field test on basic safety which includes a live fire portion.
I like the convenience but as a Hunter Safety Instructor, we have a number of fails in the field test of on-line students because its the first time many have held a firearm.
Actual class time is what I prefer despite the fact that it takes more time as a volunteer.
Phil Smith
Rolla, MO (By way of Neah Bay, WA; Yakima, WA, Stanwood, WA; Anchorage, AK)