David H. Cohen

The Arts and Sciences, in partnership with Cognitive Arts Corporation, has launched the first in a series of on-line courses offered through Columbia Interactive Arts and Sciences. The initial offerings include courses in Information Technology (JAVA, C++) and from the American Language Program (American Business Writing: Intermediate and High Intermediate.)

The courses leverage the power of interactive technology to create a highly individualized, hands-on learning experience. Students have the flexibility to move forward at their own pace, accessible at any time, anywhere via the Internet. Expert tutors provide individual guidance and feedback throughout the courses.

The English as a Second Language courseware is being developed by faculty from Columbia's highly recognized American Language Program. The information technology courseware is based on the experience of Informational Technology (IT) professionals in many of today's largest and most successful corporations.

"Columbia University has long been at the forefront of quality education and academic excellence," said David H. Cohen, vice president and dean of the faculty for Arts and Sciences. "The launching of Columbia Interactive Arts and Sciences continues this tradition. We see the current course offerings as just the beginning. Plans call for expanding curricular opportunities as rapidly as we can, but at a pace consistent with ensuring only the highest academic standards and the most imaginative on-line courseware."

Cognitive Arts, the partner in this endeavor, is the leading designer of education software with more than 25 years of experience in developing highly experiential learning solutions based on breakthrough research in how people learn, remember and reason. It has a proven track record as a developer of virtual university and professional e-learning solutions for the education and corporate markets. Its curricula have been used by thousands of students and Fortune 500 employees. Previous partners have included Hewlett Packard, IBM, First Union, GE Capital, Harvard Business School Publishing, Northwestern University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The courses are offered through Continuing Education in the Arts and Sciences.