By Azad-Hye Staff
Through online education, the Armenian Virtual College?s focus is helping learners acquire basic knowledge in Armenian studies. It offers several certificate programs and credit-bearing courses in Armenian education at the college level.
The College is currently comprised of three departments ? Language, History, and Culture ? each of which offers several courses in varying skill levels and in six languages: Armenian (Eastern & Western), English, Russian, French and Spanish.
The students learn new material at their own pace, but also through face-to-face communication with their virtual teachers and classmates. They use multimedia study tools, assignments, quizzes, course calendars, syllabi, drop boxes, and grade books. Moreover, discussion forums, email, and live chat options provide them with the opportunities to better connect with their classmates and to forge friendships with fellow students from across the globe.
The virtual classrooms have been launched for two Terms: Summer 2009 and Fall 2009.
During the Summer Term, 16 multimedia courses were offered. The first-ever virtual classrooms opened on 14 June 2009 and concluded on 07 August 2009. Close to 150 students enrolled from 22 countries around the globe, with a wide age span (17 to 82 years old). The courses included Western Armenian language, Eastern Armenian language, History of Armenia, and Introduction to Armenian Architecture in multiple languages.
The enrollment period for the Fall Term 2009 is scheduled to begin on 31 August 2009 and the classes on 22 September 2009. The enrollment will be based on first-come-first-served basis.
Fall Term 2009 will repeat the exact same set of courses as offered in the Summer Term 2009. In addition, it will offer the second parts of these courses for the students, who already completed the first parts during the Summer Term 2009.
The Fall Term 2009 will also offer a new course on Introduction to Armenian Architecture Part 1.
List of courses offered for a nine week period:
Armenian Language Department:
Beginners Eastern Armenian – Part 1
(in Western Armenian, English, Russian, French, Spanish)
Beginners Western Armenian – Part 1
(in Eastern Armenian, English, Russian, French and Spanish)
Armenian History Department:
Ancient Armenian History ? Part 1
(in Eastern and Western Armenian, English, Russian, French and Spanish)
For details about the offered courses and conditions, please check the Armenian Virtual College (AVC) web site:
http://avc-agbu.org/home.php or write to [email protected]
Photo: AGBU Central Board Member Yervant Zorian (center) and other program organizers at the 03 July 2009 AGBU Armenian Virtual College press conference in Yerevan.
ADDITIONAL READING
AVC Presentation in United Arab Emirates
On 19 December 2008, Dr. Yervant Zorian, Member of Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Central Board of Directors and President of AGBU Virtual College presented “The Armenian Virtual College” (Computerized distance learning program of Armenian Language, Culture and History) in Pierre Keusseyan Community Hall, Sharjah, UAE. A lot of students, school teachers, intellectuals took part in the event.
Read also: Azad-Hye interview with the founder of the Armenian Virtual College Yervant Zorian
