AND Academy is here to challenge the status quo with its technology-enabled approach to delivering online design education at par with the studio-based learning experience. Read to know how they make it happen.
The COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown in 2020 prompted a seismic shift across industries, compelling them to transition their operations online. Education, too, underwent a significant transformation, with institutions from schools to universities embracing digital platforms to ensure continuity in learning.
Among the pioneers of this digital evolution was the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), which not only swiftly adapted its practices to an online format, but also spearheaded the establishment of a dedicated online design learning platform- AND Academy. Born out of the need to democratize high-quality design education, AND Academy has been delivering sophisticated design courses accessible from the comfort of one's home since 2021.
Armed with courses in UX UI design, interior design, and graphic design, ranging in timespan from 4 months to 1 year, AND Academy seeks to reshape design education to make it more relevant in the digital age. Come along as we explore how close they’ve come to their goal and details of how they’ve won the confidence of design learners who would settle for nothing less than the studio-based learning environment that is essential to the field of design.
How does AND Academy perform against key metrics that design learners take into consideration?
Modern-day design learners are highly aware and often conduct their due diligence, taking all metrics into account, before committing to an institute or learning platform. At the core of our inquiry, too, lie some crucial considerations, including the institute’s quality of instruction, flexibility and accessibility, placement support services, networking opportunities, and cost-effectiveness.
Let’s see how AND performs on each of these metrics.
1. Quality of instruction
AND Academy liberates learners from the confines of geographic limitations, granting them access to a faculty comprising renowned design educators and industry practitioners from across the country. This faculty ensures that the curriculum remains perpetually relevant and abreast of contemporary trends.
The online modality also allows for an enriching peer-to-peer learning environment, attracting people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. AND Academy conducts live classes, while making recorded lectures available for those who might need them, which encourages active learning and delivers an experience that is considerably closer to on-campus classes.
Simply put, at AND Academy, the statement: “A world-class design education is merely a stable internet connection away” rings with truth.
2. Flexibility and Accessibility
Designed with the learner in mind, AND Academy's courses prioritize accessibility and flexibility with finesse. All live sessions are scheduled in the evenings, to accommodate both students and working professionals, facilitating seamless integration of learning into busy schedules.
More importantly, with its open-for-all policy, the design learning platform attracts learners from varied educational or professional backgrounds be it the sciences or the arts, creating a melting pot of ideas and experiences.
In the words of, Soumya Tiwari, the Course Lead for Graphic Design at AND Academy:
“We have had learners from different backgrounds, across the country, and belonging to different age groups. We have individuals who have pursued visual art before switching to Graphic Design, individuals who haven't had any connection to design before enrolling, and even those already part of the industry looking to upskill. Learners with degrees in literature, technology, and marketing are also not uncommon at AND.”
3. Lifetime Career Development Services
AND Academy goes beyond the widely accepted conventions of education, offering a career-first approach with provisions for job guarantees and a dedicated placement cell with lifetime access for its alumni. That means that once an individual is registered as an AND learner, they can avail of the services of its placement cell even after graduating at no additional cost.
4. Networking Opportunities
AND facilitates numerous networking opportunities for its learners, including the highly anticipated annual meet AND Social, which draws design talent and industry leaders from all over the nation.
Additionally, learners have the opportunity to attend masterclasses and expert-led workshops covering diverse topics such as comic-making, industry case studies, and art history.
These events serve as catalysts for meaningful conversations between learners and industry professionals, helping build connections and expanding horizons in tandem. This multi-faceted approach ensures that learners not only enhance their skills but also cultivate invaluable networks, contributing to a rounded and enriching educational experience.
How do AND Academy’s design courses recreate a traditional classroom learning environment?
AND Academy replicates the immersive and collaborative essence of offline learning experiences through interactive sessions, real-world projects, and industry-relevant tools. The pedagogical approach thrives on interactivity, collaboration, and engagement with live teaching sessions, project mentorship, and ongoing feedback form the backbone of its dynamic learning environment, closely resembling traditional classroom dynamics.
Prachi Mittal, Head of Academics at AND Academy underscores the institution's commitment to nurturing a transformative learning environment that closely mimics the environment inside a design studio:
"These classes transcend traditional lectures, enabling active engagement and discourse among students. By instilling a blend of creative and strategic thinking, AND Academy endeavors to reshape the very fabric of design education."
Central to AND Academy's curriculum is its emphasis on project-based learning, where students tackle real-world design challenges to build a robust portfolio. This practical application of theory not only deepens their understanding but also hones their skills for professional practice.
Platforms such as Canvas and Miro play pivotal roles in facilitating seamless interaction between mentors and learners, effectively mirroring the collaborative ethos prevalent in professional design studios.
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Additionally, Microsoft Teams serves as a catalyst for enhanced connectivity among learners, mentors, as well as representatives from the career services and student assistance division, all accessible from handheld devices. This integrated approach not only enriches the learning experience but also cultivates a vibrant environment conducive to skill development and career advancement.
Through its commitment to interactive learning, collaborative spirit, and diverse educational offerings, AND Academy elevates the traditional classroom learning experience, preparing students for thriving careers in the ever-evolving realm of design.
Do AND’s design courses carry weight in terms of credentials and recognition?
AND’s association with IIAD and by extension, the Kingston School of Art, London, lends even more credibility to their graduates. From award-winning design firms like Morphogenesis and Studio Lotus to established multi-national companies like IBM, Gartner and EY, AND Academy's network spans across the spectrum of many industries. These brands offer real-world experience and industry insights to learners, while also cultivating close collaborations with leading corporations and seasoned professionals - some of whom form the core faculty at AND.
In the words of Dr Jitin Chadha, CEO and Founder of AND Academy:
“AND Academy is renowned within the industry as a hub for designers driven by a perpetual quest for learning, unlearning, and relearning—a quality indispensable for maintaining adaptability and relevance in a swiftly evolving landscape.”
AND’s approach is simple yet profound: to nurture and cultivate skilled designers who are not just competent but also capable of leading in the ever-evolving design landscape. Through a meticulously curated curriculum and hands-on learning experiences, they ensure that graduates emerge as not just designers, but as visionaries ready to steer the course of design with confidence and expertise. This reputation has significantly bolstered AND's capacity to forge robust industry relationships, with numerous prominent brands tapping into the learning platform's reservoir of design talent.
Concerns About Online Design Education and How AND Navigates Them
Q.1. Will I lose out on networking opportunities in an online design course?
Due to the online accessibility of all AND's design courses, learners have the opportunity to connect with top designers and industry experts who form the core faculty at the institute. Furthermore, learners are encouraged to attend master classes and workshops organized by the institute regularly.
Q.2. Will I have sufficient interaction with instructors and peers in an online design course?
AND's design courses offer ample opportunities for interaction with mentors and peers. Through virtual classrooms, discussion forums, and collaborative projects, learners engage with instructors who are experts in their fields and connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, often spanning across geographical boundaries. Additionally, learners are often provided flexibility in scheduling, allowing for more personalized attention and meaningful exchanges.
Q.3. What is the average class size in online design courses and how does this affect the learning experience?
In online design courses, the average class size tends to be smaller. This cohort-based approach to teaching can enhance the learning experience by building the scope for more interactions with instructors and classmates. Moreover, online platforms often facilitate dynamic discussions and one-on-one feedback sessions, maximizing engagement and enabling a deeper exploration of course materials. This personalized approach can lead to a more tailored learning experience, ultimately benefiting students across comprehension levels and skill development stages.
Q.4 Are there any prerequisites or prior knowledge required for enrolling in online design courses?
In the words of Rahat Varma, the Course Lead for Interior Design at AND Academy”
“Anybody who is observant can undertake AND’s design courses”
Enrollment in AND's online design courses does not require any prerequisites. This inclusive admission policy aims to welcome students from various backgrounds, enriching the learning experience with diverse perspectives and skill sets. AND has successfully trained individuals from varied backgrounds including B.Tech, marketing, fine arts, finance, hospitality, and even sales, facilitating their transition into the field of design and transforming their career journey seamlessly.
Q.5 Can online design courses provide opportunities for internships, job placements, or industry partnerships?
AND Academy's online design courses offer extensive opportunities for internships, job guarantees, and industry partnerships that are at par with on-campus courses. Through strategic collaborations with industry partners and robust networks, the institute’s Career Services Division facilitates internships and job placements for learners. Moreover, AND Academy provides comprehensive career services, organizes networking events, and conducts portfolio reviews, empowering students to forge connections with potential employers and propel their careers forward in the dynamic field of design.
Conclusion
In essence, AND Academy serves as more than just an educational institution; it's a gateway to a thriving career in design. With a steadfast commitment to skill development, leadership empowerment, and fostering industry connections, AND ensures that every graduate is not only equipped to navigate the challenges of the design world but also poised to excel and lead within it.
To sum up with a few words from CEO and Founder, Dr. Jitin Chadha:
“We didn't start AND Academy because edtech was a hot space, but because we realized that taking design education online was now possible and with our expertise, we’d be able to provide quality learning and upskilling opportunities.”
Driven by the vision to equip today’s design workforce with practical skills, AND Academy more than delivers on its promise of ensuring high-quality and affordable design education that has the potential to transform careers.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
