For the first time, the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) Distance Education Quarterly is available in an online-only version. The Spring 2009 issue has been named the “Emerald Edition” to highlight an Institute-wide green initiative to minimize GIA’s environmental impact.

The Emerald Edition provides comprehensive information about Distance Education programs, courses and Lab classes. It also showcases interactive features including a demo of the recently launched GIA eLearning program, a “Mine to Market” video that takes you from a Colombian emerald mine to the retail counter, and a news segment on the GIA Museum emerald exhibit.

“Transitioning to an online-only version serves our Distance Education students in a more timely and convenient method,” said Kathryn Kimmel, vice president and chief Marketing officer. “Today’s students are savvy with web-based technologies and this is a way for us to offer the information they need in a more accessible and interactive format.”

“The online-only version also reduces the use of essential earth resources, which is the environmentally responsible thing to do.”

To access the GIA Spring 2009 Distance Education Quarterly, click here viewer.zmags.com

For more information about GIA visit, www.gia.edu.