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GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. – Have you ever wanted to go behind the scenes and experience the sights and sounds of an Imperial topaz mine in Brazil? Maybe you’d like to watch a seminar on laser-drilled diamonds or a tutorial on accounting basics from the GIA School of Business.
These are just a few examples of the free video and audio content that current students and graduates of any GIA course can now access through GIA on iTunes U. The Institute joins a growing number of U.S. colleges and universities thatare partnering with Apple, Inc. to deliver educational content via iTunes U.
With GIA on iTunes U, it’s easier than ever to continue your gemological education and stay up-to-date on industry developments. In just a few clicks, you can select the materials you want to download to your personal computer or MP3 player and enjoy them at your convenience.
The segments are brief, usually five minutes or less, but packed with useful information. More than 100 are currently posted, and GIA’s Course Development department is creating new podcasts on a regular basis, many of them featuring all-new, exclusive footage.
Patrick B. Ball, the Institute’s director of Education training and the creator of GIA’s iTunes U site, says, “With this powerful medium, we’re now able to deliver timely and widely expanded educational content to GIA students and instructors worldwide, as well as Continuing Education for our alumni. So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, and to date we’ve delivered 36,000 downloads.”
To get started, go to
GIA’s Continuing Education page and click on the “Register for My GIA” image in the lower right corner. By completing the forms that come up, you will establish a “My GIA” user ID. Your password will then bee-mailed to you. You will also need to download and install Apple’s free iTunes software.
Once you’re set up, visit https://my.gia.edu/ often to get the latest content. You can also choose to subscribe so that new content is automatically delivered to your computer.
An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. GIA can be found on the web at http://www.gia.edu/. Media queries contact: Laura Simanton 760-603-4112.