Art Institute Online: Programs, Classes, Campus, Schools And Colleges

t seems like nearly every aspect of daily life has been caught up in the Internet revolution. The Internet has even changed the way people educate themselves. Online degree programs have released education from the confines of brick and mortar institutions with daytime class schedules. By offering access to lessons and instructions online at anytime, online programs have made education accessible to those who otherwise may not have been able to obtain it.

Many online programs are geared toward working professionals, and offer general academic majors that would typically be obtained to further a professional's career such as Business Management or Accounting. What about the creative types who are unable to attend traditional art schools? Art colleges and universities as well as art institutes online answer that call.

The largest creative arts program available online is offered through The Art Institute Online. Launched in 2000, The Art Institute Online is a division of The Art Institutes' Pittsburgh location. This online art school allows students to choose to obtain a diploma in Digital Design, Residential Planning, or Web Design. Associate of Science degrees are available with a concentration in Graphic design or Interactive Media Design. Students may also choose to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in one of nine disciplines: Advertising, Culinary Management, Fashion & Retail Management, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Hotel & Restaurant Management, Interior Design, Interactive Media Design, and Media Arts & Animation.

Wherever an Internet connection is available, The Art Institute Online has an online art class available. To take the art classes online a student must also have Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, and Norton Antivirus on the computer that they access for classes. Each program also has specific software requirements that are outlined in detail on The Art Institute Online website. A CD or DVD burner, color printer and scanner, and a digital camera are also required to be successful.

Each class only lasts 5 and 1/2 weeks online. Socrates Distance Learning Group pioneered this online learning strategy that The Art Institute Online uses in each of its accredited art classes. During the courses, students are stimulated to participate through discussion questions. To create a balance in the busy lives of those that choose to learn online, the courses each have a maximum of three assignments due each week.

The Art Institute Online offers students a variety of resources. Since the classes are all online, students are also able to purchase textbooks and other course essentials online. There are online tutors and an online library available as well. This online program also hosts its own online social network, AiConnections. The Art Institute Online also offers World Professional Network, which gives students the opportunity to network with industry contacts. 24 hour classroom technical support is also available online and by phone.

The Art Institute Online campus is known as The Campus Common. This online campus provides students with forums, an online library, and even guest speakers. The Art Institute Online issues its degrees through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Obtaining a degree from this online art school does not bar students from the pleasures of walking across the stage in a cap and gown, as the graduation ceremony is also held through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Graduates of The Art Institute Online have something to celebrate, as The Art Institute Online along with The Art Institute of Pittsburgh boast a placement rate of over 90% for graduates in 2005. These extra perks help bring some of the benefits of a traditional college experience to the online program

The emergence of art schools with online programs and the ability to take art classes online further proves that there truly is something for everyone on the Internet. What other creation outside of the Internet could allow one to attend art institutes online through a virtual campus? By furthering the artistic advancement of its users, the Internet essentially preserves itself as the creative force it has become.


Sources:
About the Art Institute Online. The Art Institute Online. 2007. 12 April 2007. http://www.aionline.edu/about-us/
Why the Art Institutes?. The Art Institute Online. 2007. 12 April 2007. http://www.aionline.edu/about-us/why-the-art-insti tutes/
Academic Approach. The Art Institute Online. 2007. 19 April 2007.
http://www.aionline.edu/online-education/academic- approach/
Student Support Services. The Art Institute Online. 2007. 19 April 2007.
http://www.aionline.edu/online-education/student-s upport-services/
Tech Requirements. The Art Institute Online. 2007. 19 April 2007
http://www.aionline.edu/online-education/tech-requ irements/