GIA launches new eLearning program

Independents

Save

E-mail

GIA launches new eLearning program

February 04, 2009

Similar Stories | Topics

STORIES

GIA experts to present at ICA Congress

TOPICS

Earth Science | Science and Technology | Sciences

Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is now offering a new, online multimedia format for its distance learning courses in gemology and jewelry sales.

The format, called "eLearning," is currently available to students in the Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma program.

GIA President and Chief Executive Officer Donna Baker said the change to eLearning takes advantage of the latest Web-based applications to create a multifaceted learning experience that integrates text and images with video, audio, slideshows, animations and interviews. For instance, eLearning features video for hands-on demonstrations, interviews with experts, instructor lectures and "see it for yourself" segments.

"As GIA revolutionized the industry and gemological education 78 years ago by delivering home-based gemology courses, we're doing it again today with Web-based eLearning," Baker said in a media release. "We believe this is the future of all GIA's distance learning."

GIA customized a learning-management-system platform for its eLearning that allows students to access all coursework, materials and lessons online in a media-rich, easy-to-use environment. All questionnaires, including an un-proctored final exam for the A.J.P. program, are also delivered online with students receiving immediate feedback.

At the same time, eLearning comes with full GIA support so that a student can reach a personal instructor or staff person as needed via phone, e-mail or in person.

Duncan Pay, GIA course development director, said, "We started rolling out eLearning with the A.J.P. because it is an important introductory gem and jewelry program that teaches the essentials of product knowledge and sales information for diamonds, colored stones and jewelry. The benefit is that people can earn the prestigious GIA A.J.P. diploma via eLearning for the same low price as before, at their convenience via a computer, with a greatly enriched curriculum that offers an easier-to-obtain and better retained education."

GIA plans to extend this eLearning capability to all of its Distance Education courses as the institute develops the multidimensional instructional content required for each GIA eLearning course.

Print materials for the A.J.P. courses will remain available for purchase upon request. The print materials for the Jewelry Essentials and Diamond Essentials courses cost $40 each, while the print materials for the Colored Stone Essentials course cost $50 each, plus shipping and handling charges and applicable sales tax.

To see a demonstration of the GIA eLearning system, visit GIA.Edu/eLearning. To learn more about GIA eLearning, call GIA Admissions at (800) 421-4250 ext. 4001.

Save

E-mail

More Independents

JCOC: 11 percent to purchase jewelry this holiday

Paso Robles, Calif.--Eleven percent of Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC) panel members plan to purchase fine jewelry or watches as a gift this holiday season, with 82 percent of this group believing they are either somewhat or extremely likely to do so, according to the JCOC's Pre Holiday study. Read More

JA offers grant fund for state association partners

Jewelers: Win Platinum Points over the holidays

More Independents

More Like This

GIA experts to present at ICA Congress

April 30, 2009 | National Jeweler Network

TOPICS

Earth Science | Science and Technology | Sciences

Design Portfolio

BROWSE

Video

Retailer Toolbar

America's Best Jewelers
Join the ONLY Social Network for Jewelry Retailers. Get access to expert content, peer best practices, and more.
Start networking today.

Newsletters
Topic-specific newsletters that deliver the latest news on jewelry, diamonds, wholesale operations and high-volume buying directly to your in-box.

ReaderConnect
Supplier information presented with every article, bringing you related, actionable content on every topic.

Yellow Pages
A comprehensive listing of associations, organizations, suppliers and services for the jewelry industry.

Classifieds
A comprehensive listing of job postings, product offerings and other materials for sale for the jewelry industry.

CustomerConnect
The most sophisticated suite of marketing services available for jewelry retailers, from Internet tools to data marketing.