October 8, 2020

What is Interactive Distance Learning? | F.I.R.S.T. Institute

Welcome to a new era of education at F.I.R.S.T. Institute!

Brand New Programs

F.I.R.S.T. Institute has launched new programs in a new learning environment – Interactive Distance Learning! Now, we can offer our students our quality on-campus education to students anywhere in Florida and in select states across the country. Whether you want to learn Recording Arts, Digital Filmmaking, or Graphic Design & Web Development, we’ve got your back.

IDL courses are not your standard online classes. They have certain requirements and guidelines to ensure our classes are interactive, educational, and fun… and most importantly, reflect what F.I.R.S.T. Institute is all about! Through IDL classes, our instructors ensure that students receive the practical, hands-on education they enroll for.

Traditional online courses don’t always emphasize the social aspect of learning. At F.I.R.S.T., we pride ourselves in providing small class sizes and personalized education. IDL classes take place at certain pre-scheduled times during the week, meaning that students never learn on their own. These courses are focused on interaction between instructor and student, as well as between classmates.

It’s just like going to class… except now, class is coming to you!

Participation is Key

Our mission is to provide to an experience that is identical between our online and on-campus students. The focus of our school is not to provide material in a textbook and quiz the students on it. We want our students working hands-on with industry standard equipment, and learning from creative professionals who are active in their industry.

We provide online students with Personal Academic Kits, or Creative P.A.K.s, that contain professional-level microphones, drawing tablets, audio mixers, video cameras, and more (depending on the program they are enrolled in). Enrollees work closely with cutting-edge equipment that they will build their future career on.

The classes themselves are five-hour blocks that allow students to interact with their instructors, provide feedback on each others’ work, collaborate on projects, and build a community – when our students graduate, they have already created a network of fellow creative professionals to help them find work and support.

Succeeding in IDL

Taking an active role in class is the best way to ensure you’re engaged and having fun! Make sure your webcam and microphone are activated, and you’re prepared to ask questions, share advice, and learn about the ins and outs of your industry.

Students come to our campus from across the country for the F.I.R.S.T. Institute experience. Now, we bring that same experience to you!