Online School Sets Out to Revolutionize the College Social Experience

NORCROSS, Ga., Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today's world is a virtual world where digital technology impacts almost every aspect of our lives, revolutionizing the way we access information, connect with friends and family, get entertainment, and even go to work.  Ashworth College (http://www.ashworthcollege.edu/), a leading online school, wants to take this movement to the next level by ensuring that education keeps up with the pace of the real time world and gives students the dynamic educational experience they'll need to be successful in the future. 

Considering the many monumental advancements in technology and communications, it seems only natural that the way students pursue their education also should have changed dramatically. However, taking classes online from traditional, campus-based colleges is old news and reading eBooks, taking tests online or occasionally chatting with an instructor is far from being an education revolution. Ashworth is on a quest to change all that.

In January of 2011, Ashworth College launched its fully interactive, student driven, and faculty supported Ashworth College Community, a virtual campus that provides students and those interested in learning more about Ashworth a complete social learning experience that begins before they enroll and continues to the day they graduate and beyond. 

"We believe an engaged student is a stronger student. Because the Community offers a fun, educational, interactive alternative to other education sites, we're able to build lasting relationships with our students, alumni and anyone else with a passion for learning," Tim O'Connor, Ashworth Chief Marketing Officer. "Our members come from all over the globe and their needs and expectations are varied. We want to give each a one of a kind experience that can only be found in the Ashworth Community."

Since the launch, the Community has made significant inroads and has grown to more than 100,000 members in less than a year! Ashworth believes what defines the Community and sets it apart from other online schools is that within a single environment each member can have a unique opportunity to connect with other students and instructors on their own terms, get real time support from anywhere at any time, attend daily "live" streaming events, receive personalized advice from career experts and apply for new jobs---all the while making new friends, sharing their dreams, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

"The Ashworth College Community was there for me every step of the way as I worked towards graduation and my new career," said Emily Watson, New York, NY, psychology student. "Being able to interact with my classmates and instructors at any time provided constant motivation, and the feeling of never being alone made my experience one that I'll never forget."

The Ashworth Community is the result of months of research and development which included surveys and in-depth interviews with Ashworth's student body. The school learned that while students will engage in social networks like Facebook and Twitter, they also want to be part of a student-centric Community where they can build relationships with like-minded individuals who are committed to helping them excel academically and achieve career success after graduating.  The result is a culmination of the best interactive and academic elements that create a fully supported social learning experience that is unlike anything in the education field.   

"Ashworth has changed my life.  I made awesome friends in the Community while getting a quality education!" posted Theresa Wheaton, Carson, CA, high school student.

About Ashworth College and James Madison High School

Ashworth College, a leading online school, has built a tradition of excellence spanning 25 years, offering students worldwide more than 115 online college degrees, online certificate programs and online high school diploma options that are affordable and fit the busy schedules of working adults. Ashworth also offers military education online as well as specialized programs for corporate partners and homeschoolers.

Headquartered in Norcross, GA, Ashworth is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. James Madison High School is further accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). For more information, visit http://www.ashworthcollege.edu/.

SOURCE Ashworth College