GIA: Education: Continuing Education FAQ

All current or former students, including Distance Education, on-campus, international, School of Business, Jewelry Manufacturing Arts, who apply for a My GIA user ID and password will have access to the digital content. As information is released during the year, it will be available to view through GIA on iTunes U. The alum.connect e-newsletter, The Loupe, Insider, etc., will announce when new segments are available.

Will I have to pay to access GIA on iTunes U?

No, once you have a user ID and password you can freely preview and download all content from GIA on iTunes U.

How does GIA on iTunes U support Distance Education Students?

Any Distance Education student who currently has a My GIA user ID and password will have access to the wide variety of video segments that support GIA Diamonds and Diamond Grading, Gem Identification and Jewelry Essentials courses. Each video segment focuses on one objective to supplement the Distance Education student's coursework. As new video segments are developed or updated, GIA will deliver them to the student via iTunes U. Each segment will reside in the appropriate course, such as: Pearls, Diamond Essentials, Colored Stone Essentials or Colored Stones.

How do I get a My GIA user ID and password so I can access GIA on iTunes U?

Click here and follow the instructions to join the My GIA community.

Do I need iTunes to view content for GIA on iTunes U?

Yes, iTunes U is Apple Inc.’s initiative to support higher education, and the iTunes software is required to enter this digital download area. You may go to www.itunes.com to download iTunes or update your iTunes software.

Do I need an iPod to listen to or view content on iTunes U?

No, all you need is a computer, an internet connection, and the iTunes software. iTunes functions exactly the same on a PC as on a Mac.

Who is eligible to register for the GIA Continuing Education Recognition Program?

Currently only GIA Graduate Gemologists or GIA Gemologists are allowed to register for the program and receive the Continuing Education Recognition Credential. (All current and former students can view the content on iTunes U).

How do I register for the GIA Continuing Education Recognition Program?

If I've already enrolled, do I also need to register for a My GIA account?

If you already possess a My GIA user ID and password, you can go to MY GIA and login. If not you must register by clicking here.

How will I know when a new assignment has been posted?

As new assignments are released throughout the year, they will be available to view from the Continuing Education section of GIA on iTunes U. The alum.connect e-newsletter and My GIA will announce when new segments are released.

How do I complete assignments for the Continuing Education Recognition Program?

Once enrolled in the program, you'll submit your answers in exactly the same way GIA Distance Education students submit assignments through Virtual Campus on My GIA. Each student will have three opportunities to pass an assignment with a score of 75 percent or better. View an Online Tutorial by clicking here, or download the PDF version by clicking here.

Do I have to complete all of the assignments to complete the GIA Continuing Education Recognition Program?

No. You must pass at least five of the available assignments offered throughout the year. Assignments can be taken in any order. All assignments will be available by September 30th. GIA may produce more than five each year, but only five need to be completed to earn your yearly credential.

How do I receive the Continuing Education Recognition Credential for the year?

Once you’ve successfully completed at least five of the program assignments and passed the related questionnaires, you can submit a Petition to Graduate form online. You must pay a $45.00 processing fee, which includes shipping, before your Continuing Education Credential will be processed and mailed. As you complete courses in the future, you will receive a sticker with the current year's date printed on it. This seal goes on your credential and shows your customers and peers that you continue to update your gemological knowledge.

Is the GIA Continuing Education Recognition credential transferable to other universities?

No. This credential is specific to gemology and is a program that applies only to GIA Graduate Gemologists or GIA Gemologists, to stay up to date with current trends in the jewelry industry.

What if my computer has Microsoft Windows? Can I still install iTunes?

Yes, the minimum requirement is Windows 2000/XP. To install the iTunes software available free from Apple’s website, go to http://www.itunes.com .

Is GIA on iTunes U part of the iTunes Store?

No, the segments offered through GIA on iTunes U are kept separate from the content in the main iTunes Store. Thus, you will not be able to access GIA on iTunes U without first logging in to My GIA.

Can I access GIA on iTunes U directly without first opening a browser?

No. Since this is a special section for GIA, there are no direct links off the main iTunes Store. You must first log in to My GIA to access GIA on iTunes U.

Can I connect my iPod to someone else’s computer and download their music and/or videos?

No. Your iPod can only sync with one music library at a time. So unless you completely reformat your iPod to sync to another computer, it cannot be done.

Where can I find out more about using iTunes U?

Click the following link to Apple’s website http://www.apple.com/education/products/ipod/itunes_u.html

For more Windows or Macintosh iTunes support, visit http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/