Philosophy of Learning + Teaching

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 courses embody 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 teaching methods. Faculty have multiple resources available to them for keeping current with the latest on-campus and online teaching strategies, as well as access to a national network of peers and colleagues in the field of teaching and learning. RMCAD 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 a relevant and engaging learning experience for each program and course. The team course design process is based on adult learning theory, state-of-the-art course technologies, industry expectations, and a strict set of quality standards.

RMCAD online courses and programs are the same courses and programs as on campus; they achieve the same outcomes and objectives. This means that students taking courses online and students taking courses on-campus receive the same quality education. 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.

All courses provide high-quality learning environments led by passionate, experienced faculty. State-of-the-art technologies facilitate communication, interaction, and learning experiences in on-campus and online courses. Our 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. Students in on-campus courses are engaged in many of the same ways including the same relationships. Integral to student success, all students are supported through 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.

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