What do all these degree-seekers have in common? Online learning. Virtual classrooms are filling a lifestyle gap for individuals in many different stages of life and career. For a busy professional who wants to stay ahead of the curve and acquire new skills, the e-classroom offers convenience. For a mother, online learning is an opportunity to sharpen professional skills for re-entry into the job market without leaving home.
In the past few years, the quality, variety and accessibility of online learning programs has burgeoned. More than two million students will be enrolled in distance learning programs in the U.S. by 2002, according to International Data Corporation. Lee Park, vice president and director of technology of The Art Institute Online explains, ” E-learning has so much to offer. Many online learning programs can truly mimic the interactive elements of a physical classroom, with the added bonuses of convenience and accessibility.”
Recognizing the need for flexible educational environments that fit a variety of lifestyles, The Art Institutes' nationwide system of educational institutions created The Art Institute Online, which launched last spring. The Art Institute Online provides timely, accessible and professional development programs for those seeking to enhance skills, further professional careers or prepare for eventual re-entry into the job market. The Art Institute Online was the first school to offer a bachelor's degree in graphic design online, and now also offers a bachelor's in digital design. Class sessions are available year round, and course offerings range from the basics, such as fundamentals of the web and fundamentals of design, to more advanced, including corporate identity design and web page scripting.
A virtual campus tour also is available, and includes a course catalog, a description of faculty members, student orientation, a demo course and more.
Because there are many online learning opportunities available, educators agree that it's important to pick the right program for you. The Art Institute Online offers a few simple guidelines:
- Choose a program or area of study that has a direct application to what you do, or one you are passionate about. Without a compelling need for the course, you're more likely to drop the ball and miss a valuable opportunity.
- Choose a learning institution that offers an asynchronous learning model. You should be able to check into the class at any time and follow along.
- Look closely at the institution's learning model. Some offer independent study in which students receive instruction, assignments and tests to complete by themselves. Others offer a facilitator lead model which involves direct communication with the instructor and classmates. For some, this interaction is key to making the online learning experience approximate the give and take of a physical classroom.
Both online students and faculty advise online students to take responsibility for their own learning, and stay motivated and determined to make e-learning work. If they do, they'll find the experience gratifying, productive and personally rewarding.
The Art Institute Online, a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, is a virtual learning platform offering Internet-delivered education. The Art Institute Online offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Science degree program in Graphic Design, the Associate of Science degree program in Graphic Design, and the diploma program in Digital Design. Students may take a demonstration course by visiting The Art Institute Online at www.aionline.edu/nz or call (877) 872-8869 for more information.
Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com
The Art Institutes' system of 23 educational institutions is located nationwide, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals. The Art Institutes system of schools has provided career-oriented education programs for over 35 years, with more than 125,000 graduates. For more information visit The Art Institutes Web site at www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.
