The newly designed DirectCourse website, that embraces new branding, was released November 2011. The website that is optimized for organize web searches enables existing and prospective customers and visitors to experience a user-friendly design, easy navigation, and engaging tools that initiate lead generated marketing programs and promotions.

Most important, the website houses compelling content centered on the curricula within the DirectCourse overbrand, College of Direct Support developed by the University of Minnesota’s Research and Training Center on Community Living and College of Employment Services developed by the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Boston Massachusetts. As well, as the learning management system that powers the curricula – Elsevier Performance Manager: Core Development.

Evolving from the rich history of the College of Direct Support curriculum, the new DirectCourse brand introduces a growing set of online curricula for professionals who support people with intellectual, evelopmental and physical disabilities, as well as older adults. In-depth research and interviews amongst curricula developers, clients and employees was conducted to capture the appearance and meaning of the brand. A circular seal with inner arrow embodies the brand’s mission to educate, enrich and inspire professionals who provide guidance and direction to individuals. Most important, the new branding consists of a defining tagline “Online Curricula for Life in Community” providing professionals with online courses in a growing number of disciplines to help every person they serve live more fulfilling lives within our communities.

The new DirectCourse brand initiated from in-depth research and stakeholder interviews amongst curricula developers, clients and employees and evolved to pay a nod to the past while introducing a growing set of online curricula for professionals who support people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, as well as older adults. The brand continues to incorporate a collegiate feel, similar to the flagship College of Direct Support curriculum’s former branding, with a seal that embodies DirectCourse’s mission to educate, enrich and inspire and arrow representing guidance and direction. Most important, the new branding consists of a defining tagline “Online Curricula for Life in Community” providing professionals (and individuals) with online courses in a growing number of disciplines to help every person they serve live more fulfilling lives within our communities.

Brew in holiday cheer with DirectCourse by browsing the new website and branding today. Between now and January 1, 2012, the first 10 Connections eNewsletter subscribers to submit an email (mailto:directcourse@elsevier.com) with the subject line Brew in the Holidays with DirectCourse enclosing the correct answers to the following questions will qualify to win a $10 Starbucks gift card:

• What is the length of time (in minutes and seconds) of the College of Employment Services marketing video?
• List the current number and names of College of Direct Support Resources available?
• What’s the DirectCourse tagline?

The first 10 eligible winners will be announced in the January/February 2012 issue of the Connections eNewsletter.