Philosophy of Learning + Teaching

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While traditional educational approaches of lecture, demonstration, teaching by example, and presentation of studio technique are used, RMCAD is responsive to the contemporary climate of the art and design disciplines. Classroom methods incorporate the newest processes and ideas to challenge students in an atmosphere that encourages experimentation with media not yet established as art material. As a result, graduates are both versatile and qualified to produce complete, professional-quality work.

The strength of all of RMCAD’s art and design programs is realized in the development of each student’s conceptual, technical, and creative abilities with an emphasis on communication and critical thinking. This approach and rigor enable students to realize success in a challenging and competitive marketplace and helps ensure professional opportunities for each student after graduation. Emphasis is placed on skills that include consolidating ideas into visual form, rendering artwork, sharpening communication skills, developing creative concepts, and improving career skills.

The RMCAD faculty is comprised of a dedicated group of professional educators, artists, and designers who determine the college curriculum and play a significant role in the content, development, and structure of the courses they teach.

RMCAD Online embodies the above philosophy of learning and teaching while adding “time and place” of convenience. The core of the RMCAD online learning experience is the belief that with dedication, the right access, tools, course quality, faculty encouragement, and motivation, everyone has the potential to succeed in the learning experience. To that end:

• Faculty employ the most current and effective online teaching methods. Faculty have multiple resources available to them for keeping current with the latest online teaching strategies, as well as access to a national network of peers and colleagues in the field of online teaching and learning. RMCAD online faculty lead program development initiatives and participate actively in the design and course development process. Faculty, instructional designers, and multimedia developers work together in teams to produce the online learning experience for each program and course. The team course design process is based on adult learning theory, state-of-the-art course technologies, and a strict set of quality standards.
• RMCAD online courses and programs are the same courses and programs as on campus. This means that by going to school online, the quality of the education that students receive is not in any way compromised. RMCAD develops online courses with contact hours as a guide. We also continually assess learning outcomes in online and on-campus programs, so that we can make adjustments and enhancements quickly.
• Courses provide high-quality online learning environments led by experienced faculty. State-of-the-art technologies facilitate communication, interaction, and learning experiences. Online courses are constructed in a proprietary course management system that provides easy, minimal-step navigation, and intuitive access to a wide array of learning tools and course content. Students are engaged in multiple ways—through the course content, the instructor, peer collaboration, and relationships with advisors and other staff. Integral to student success, students are supported through online technical support help, tutoring services, and library services.

RMCAD provides a total package to ensure an optimal learning experience and student success, whether on campus or online.

In order to address ongoing development for course delivery methods and to address delivering high quality education during the current global health crisis RMCAD uses several approaches to engaging students and providing classroom experiences. The following table describes our course modalities and delivery methods.

Regardless of course modality or delivery method, students are expected to submit all assignments according to the deadlines found in the course syllabus.