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The  Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has introduced a Gem  Identification course in its Web-based Distance Education program, and  is conducting it through the eLearning module. Although Gem  Identification is considered the most challenging course in the G.G.  programme, with maximum assignments and 500 gemstones to examine, Duncan  Pay, director of Course Development for GIA, views the eLearning  version as fascinating, explaining, “The content is more interactive and  you see so much more. You read about how to use a refractometer, for  instance, and then watch how to do it. It’s almost like looking over  your instructor’s shoulder before you try to use one on your own.”

The course entails practical videos depicting the feel of a student  proxy, as students view a virtual ‘being’ examining the stone similar to  the one they will be looking at, with the same tools they’ll be using,  and who shows them what they need to look for, through the 500 gemstones  – 20 sets of 25 stones – in the course.

The videos are larger  than usual videos in other eLearning programmes, allowing for a closer  view of the stone’s features. “It’s not just the colour,” Pay said. “You  can see the texture, the quality of luster and the inclusions. The  videos are like guided tours through all of the types of stones you look  at so you can see what’s important.” Students are also guided by the  course in understanding what to expect before they start, view the  complete course structure, and also go back electronically to review  stone sets similar to the ones they’ve already submitted.

Ref: <a href="http://www.diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=5186" target="_blank">Diamondworld.net</a>

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