Asheford e-Course
Curriculum Continues To Shine Ein-Presswire Reviews - D. Hammond (DAG) New York - It's been just under five years now since the release of the Institute's new online format, and yet this instantly recognizable home-study program from the folks at Asheford continues to impress with a host of recently updated features that keeps this Courseware tops in its class. When the new online beta-version from the Institute was first released to a few media outlets back in 2014, we were lucky enough to get our hands on some gifted access-codes for a full test-run of the school's introductory launch of its newly released format. It was Asheford's first foray into the world of online teaching since the inception of the school and their textbook version in 1966. Since that initial roll-out, we've had a chance to put the new e-Course through its paces over the last two years - from top-to-bottom - and it certainly hasn't disappointed. In fact, we've been hard-pressed to find fault with this program, period. When we first started digging into the school's new online offering, one of the things we noticed immediately was how simple and easy it was to use - this hasn't changed one bit since its inception. In fact, it's gotten even better, as the screen's left-handed content-menu is now on every page, making clicking between subjects and previous pages a breeze. The web-layout is a standard 3-column stance, which is the ideal format for online viewing - allowing for different but related content to be seen simultaneously, so that various instructional ideas and themes can be connected at the same time. One of the other things that we really liked about the Asheford program's design composition, was how intuitively they embedded related subject videos into topic headings - they were right where they needed to be, and didn't overwhelm the text or other content on the page - it was a seamless integration into the overall layout of the site's structure. Since that time, school developers have continued to add new Course related videos to content pages while also managing to streamline and refine the overall viewing process in terms of quality and material content. Another bonus we found (after over two years of pinging the |
e-Course from virtually every corner of the globe), was that we never once had a problem with down-time or accessing the study plans. The site was always up, and our entry-codes always worked. On top of that, no Course downloads were required since everything was in the clouds and online. This made accessing our study modules and completing Course assignments frustration-free (making Asheford somewhat of a pleasant anomaly in today's wired world of online classes).
One question that we did initially have though when first reviewing the e-Course, was related to material updates. It was clear from the get-go that the curriculum was going to be intense and comprehensive in scope, but what about changing market conditions, or buying trends - how would issues such as these be addressed, or would they? However, to my own surprise (and that of a few other industry insiders who were also reviewing Asheford at the time), the updates began almost immediately - and continued to appear in the study modules on a regular basis. Which, according to Shelly Duval, one the school's e-Course spokespeople, is the whole point of having the program online, "Updates are absorbed directly into Course pages, or are added as Supplemental Information listings at the end of each Course subheading, so that students can easily access any information regarding relevant changes within the industry." This thoughtful and practical approach from the Asheford design team gives students the updates they require in a timely and beneficial manner, by allowing the school's staff to sift through data and decide on what's truly relevant (or not), before posting into the Course's study modules. In short, it gives students the right info they need, when they need it. This attention to instructional detail is what helps elevate Asheford's educational platform to a higher level than virtually any other online Courseware program. Real-time improvements and updates coupled with ease-of-use, also make the e-Course stand out from the crowd in terms of information accessibility, as well as vetted Course content. Almost five years on, and the Asheford Program has not only become easier and more intuitive to use, but the actual content and layout has been tweaked for even greater performance from a product that was already outstanding to begin with. Which means that if you're truly considering a lifestyle or vocation change, involving professional-level training in the decorative arts field, then this is probably one Course that will actually get you where you need to go. For readers seeking more information about the school's new e-Course click here: Asheford "e-Course." Or you can contact the Registrar's Office at: (877) 444-4508, or visit their web site at: www.asheford.com. |
NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page.
Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: info@asheford.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508.
Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: info@asheford.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508.
