DISTANCE LEARNING
What Our Student Are Saying About Distance Learning

I  AM A TRANSFER STUDENT....

I am a transfer student who is quite glad with my decision to join CCR. What attracted me to CCR was the EV360 system. It is unparalleled as a software package and whoever designed the system is nothing short of BRILLIANT! The system was designed with the intent to enable students to succeed. Each aspect is detailed, and helpful to the students. The amount of material available that is available to us from live classes, recorded classes, drills in addition to a substantial amount of practice material, makes this a "one stop shopping" software. Students need no go anywhere else to get practice material. I thoroughly enjoy using the system and am thrilled with my choice to transfer to CCR!...

I wanted to share some thoughts w/ CCR....

I wanted to share some thoughts w/ CCR....and just so you know, I'm taking time away from study time to even type this email, but it MUST be done!!! A friend of a friend is taking classes at an on campus court reporting school (that I chose not to attend)...we had a 40 minute conversation today and here's my thoughts...this friend of a friend has recently finished her theory classes and has begun speed classes....she informed me that she is having difficulty keeping up with 60 wpm...I then shared with her three speed techniques that were passed on to me by my teacher and this friend had never heard of them....I'm sure I'm abnormally motivated to be a student and to do well, but I thought it strange that she's struggling at 60 wpm, when I'm 2 1/2 months in to my new education and doing "ok" with 30 wpm...knowing that my teacher increases our speeds every few weeks...I am SURE I will surpass my friend by leaps and bounds...the extra speed building tips and my holding my own at 30 wpm speaks VOLUMES of CCR and MY teacher, who I love....and as a side note I may hurt someone if they try to enroll me in someone else's class...but I digress....I initially interviewed at the school my friend is attending and they upset me in that initial meeting, so much so, that I sought out other schools and landed on CCR...my first point of contact was Shameeka and she set the tone for everything....there is nothing more I could say than "simply wonderful" in describing my experience with this school and its employees....I told my friend today if she ever wanted to transfer, I'd get her the information! So, my thank you's go out to Nicky, Shameeka and my wonderful teacher Ms. Holverson....seriously, I doubt there's a better school....you'd have a hard time convincing me...

I HAVE TO SAY THAT I AM VERY HAPPY...

I have to say that I am very happy that I chose to continue my court reporting education with CCR. I am very pleased with how the online classes and practice material is so readily available to me. The support of the staff is far beyond what I ever expected it would be. I spent three years in court reporting school traveling to and from Philadelphia, PA, which was a 90 mile drive - roundtrip from where I live. I commuted back and forth to Philadelphia three nights a week after working an eight hour day. I never received the support I've received over the past month or two while being with CCR. I'm just amazed at how awesome this program really is. I totally don't miss the long commute at night to attend school. I love the fact that I can attend class in the comfort of my own home. This has reduced my stress level quite a bit. If I would have known about this program and how wonderful it really is, I would have transferred long ago. I just wanted to share this with you, because I'm so impressed with the education I am receiving through CCR.

ON AN UNRELATED NOTE...

On an unrelated note--I just wanted to say that I'm totally amazed by the effort that's clearly gone into developing the online program. I tried an online program once prior to enrolling with you guys, and I see now that it was a total joke. They just took my money, cut me loose, and eventually stopped returning my emails! So...kudos to you and everyone else who has worked so hard to put this together!

DEAR CCR...

I have had a great experience with attending live speedbuilding classes. It is great to be able to feel like you are participating in a live class and be able to read back your notes. I have noticed much improvement in my speed skills and reading back skills since I have been doing the live classes.

THANK YOU CCR...

I try to do the live speedbuilding classes twice a week on Monday and Thursday when the evening classes are available. It’s just amazing what you can do with technology these days. It is great to know CCR is always trying to improve their program and make us the best reporters out there. Thanks.

HELLO CCR...

I wanted to share how thankful I am for the the live clases that is offered at CCR. It is just like being in a live class, without having to leave the comforts of home. It is encouraging to have this option available to me because sometimes as an online student we can start to feel alone. This is an excellent addition to the school's program, because we have the best of both worlds as far as our training.

THANK YOU SO MUCH...

We have the interaction with other students and instructors, hearing and participating in readback, and the feeling of "Oh, I have to get this next take; she may call on me to read." This is a great incentive to give it my all and push myself while practicing. And I never have to leave my desk here at home, which is super convenient for me as a mom. Thanks so much.

HI CCR...

I think live speed building classes is a quantum leap forward as far as training tools. I thought I was very rigorous in my training from the taped courses and course materials, yet each time I log on to a live session, I am amazed by the difference. At first it was like taking a live test each time. My normal faculties almost left me, my keyboard felt foreign, I forget things I knew -- I guess all that was just "live" nerves. Now those are not so very strong, but yet the fact that things move on whether I want them to or not -- and I can't stop and check outlines or work on trouble spots but must learn WHILE I keep up -- somehow all that is entirely engaging and a thousand times more rigorous than any rigor I impose on myself.

CCR...

Another thing not to be slighted is the human interaction. It is so affirming to have a person react to my reading -- and to hear questions from other students, and to know that one can ask questions. I am in Paris for several can continue to do live classes while here. I hate the thought of missing it. It is the best workout a student could have. Plus, by the way, it is just plain FUN. All of the teachers are terrific, and I think they are even more terrific "in person," so to say. I really love it.

LISA, AS ALWAYS...

Lisa, as always, it was a pleasure talking to you today! As I mentioned when we spoke, I've been sold on the CCR program since I joined the school. However, the addition of live classes have added an entirely new dimension that is incredibly positive and I'm sure is going to bring excellent results. My practice time has increased by approximately 30%, in great measure because of the challenge of attending all the day classes plus keeping up with other homework, practice sessions, and drills. My focus during these sessions is much higher than in the others, which must have something to do with being immediately accountable. I find my concentration level is higher and sharper in these sessions.

THE ABILITY TO "CHAT"...

The ability to "chat" with the other students may appear that we're not paying attention or unfocused. To me, this has built stronger relationships with a group of us who attend regularly, and has also lead an air of personality to the sessions. We laugh at/with each other, applaud each other, and feel camaraderie with the teacher(s) and students onsite. Hopefully this isn't a problem for some students and, if so, they don't have to watch the chat screen as others do. This discussion with fellow students between takes, along with the live voices, has changed practice from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensional training experience.  Sound quality is close to 100% clear. There are occasional times with an unfamiliar word, proper noun, words ending with s, and the word "a" is sometimes hard to make out. Once in a while a second speaker is not as clear as the primary speaker. We can turn the volume up, though, and it's only been a problem on a few occasions.  As I mentioned to you, testing online through live sessions will be wonderful. I have carefully graded quite a number of these tests and used them for notes analyses for Margie; I would have passed six tests (six!) already this semester. This would do wonders for my self confidence, as I'm batting zero passes with the Stenograph tests so far this semester and, quite frankly, afraid to take more so I don't run out too soon. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to make some comments about the live classes, and thank you for giving this a try. I am hopeful that this will be an amazing tool for CCR and its students. Thanks!

I LOVE THE ONLINE SPEEDBUILDING CLASSES!...

I love the live online speedbuilding classes! I think it is a great program, I know that I would have finished school without this program (because I'm just that stubborn), but I know that with the online classes my time remaining in school will be cut down drastically. There is a lot more accountability with the online classes and I actually read back my notes. I have notes with this I get a great amount of speedbuilding time and my notes are cleaner. I also love that we are part of a group. I don't feel nearly as isolated with these classes as I previously did with being an online student. I look forward to the classes every morning (even medical material) ha, ha, ha. Anyway I think its a great tool in our goal as online students to use.

WHAT CAN I SAY...

What can I say about the live online classes CCR is offering in their online program. They are truly amazing. I feel that these classes are the push that everyone needs to be able to advance in speedbuilding. Attending the three morning classes a day, four days a week, guarantees me 12 hours of speedbuilding a week. They encourage me to read back my notes and get me familiar with all different types of material, including medical terms. The encouragement from my classmates and the teachers helps me to persevere when I would ordinarily just want to give up. Not only do the live speedbuilding classes help you to connect with the instructors at CCR, but I have also formed connections and friendships with my online classmates that I don't think would be as strong if it weren't for the time that we spend together during our Elluminate classes. I'm so glad that CCR has included the classes as an option to help me reach my goals.

WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY...

What else can I say about the new live classes but that they are awesome!! It is so neat to be part of a live class. One of the best things about the live classes CCR offers its online students is that you are able to put in several hours of uninterrupted practice. You are in class. You are focused on speedbuilding and reading back and nothing else. You can’t stop to take a phone call or surf the Internet. The live classes also force you to read back out loud, which is a skill that we will all need when we become court reporters. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of the instructors and to the onsite students who allow us to participate in their classes. I really believe that these classes will be one of the key ingredients to my passing my 140/160 tests and to eventually becoming a graduate of The College of Court Reporting.

THE LIVE CLASSES HAVE BEEN TERRIFIC...

The live classes have been terrific. I sincerely enjoy partaking in them and especially like being made to feel that I am really "in" on these classes. I can partake in them at various times throughout the week. This is especially important to me as I am on a very flexible schedule and they seem to fit my needs quite well. I look forward to the opportunity to be able to "test" soon; as I am sure that Jeff is probably very quickly going to make this happen CCR has been a wonderful addition to my life and I am so glad I chose to make the decision to go back to court reporting school. Everyone is so positive and helpful there and I am thankful to have found you.

MY EXPERIENCE ON THE LIVE CLASSES...

My experience on the live classes has been outstanding. I really enjoy the interaction one has with a live class and instructor in the comfort of your own home. The opportunity one has to take live dictation and be able to read back is a plus. The live interaction helps you get from instructors and motivation while you are reading back is excellent. I believe the live classes really add to the program, I am actually interacting with the instructor and other students, which really adds motivation. I had a few problems in the beginning with the microphone but was able to fix the problem. And on one session there was some technical problem where I was able to here the class but they could not here my read back. The instructor said it was on their side but I still continued with the session. It was excellent practice. Overall, my experience was outstanding and I believe it will be a great feature for the online program. I am very content with CCR.

HI LISA...

Thanks for all of your help.  I really do appreciate it.  Everyone at this college has been wonderful, and attending this institution has been a real privilege.  I finally enjoy attending school, and I know that most of that has to do with all the wonderful people, including yourself, that work there.  You all seem to really care about us, the students, and that does make all the difference in the world!  Thanks again and take care!

HI LISA.  I WANTED TO THANK YOU...

Hi Lisa. I wanted to thank you for keeping me up to date on the application process. I can’t believe how in-touch and helpful you all have been. Just another testament as to why I am choosing CCR for my court reporting program. I appreciate your assistance. I have completed the application through FAFSA.

I WAS JUST THINKING ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE COLLEGE OF COURT REPORTING...

I was just thinking about my experience with the College of Court Reporting and I wanted to say again what an amazing school you are. I do wish I had had the stamina to hang in there and become a proficient reporter. My kids have had online courses through their colleges, but nothing like the courses I participated in at CCR. The interactivity of the classes and the CD's and recordings - it's just incredible the quality of education you offer to people who aren't in the same room with each other! Our online "classes" were just that - to be able to connect with people in live time, to bounce things off each other, learning directly from the teacher and each other...I guess I'm just still so impressed with what you've all created and how you maintain and grow excellence.

I'M A NEW STUDENT, TRANSFERRING AFTER TEACHING MYSELF THEORY...

I'm a new student, transferring in after teaching myself theory and early speedbuilding. I just wanted to tell you what a nice job you've done with these videos. Up to this point my dictation has been with .mp3 files and no visuals. My only real contact with the outside reporting world has been through forums and customers I proofread for, all over the internet or through email. Maybe I'm unique in this respect, but as a long distance learner, it really helps to make a connection stronger than just on a forum. I recently experienced visual dictation for the first time with NCRA's newly sponsored RTC program, but it's totally different. Those are actors, and you're not acting. I especially like the personal touch when you add comments of encouragement, a little humor, and your thoughts on techniques. Those types of comments really make it feel personal. Long distance learners don't gain the benefit from those small comments teachers make in the course of a classroom session, and I've often felt I was missing something without that contact - missing a lot, actually. This extra information is a really nice addition. Even if I've listened to the same dictation multiple times, your comments don't get old. Instead, it feels like I'm in a classroom with you. I'm glad I'm not, because they you really could see my notes on those 160s, and that's a scary thought!. (As an aside, Jamie's voice is not at all difficult to follow. Now, if you hire someone from Boston to do congressional testimony at 180, then we're in trouble.) Thank you for the added touches that so far have made these videos very enjoyable. Continued best wishes!

EVERY SINGLE PERSON AT CCR...

Every single person at CCR has been excellent to speak with and meet any and all of my needs. I commend you on the job that you are doing and hope you continue to build your business and the hopes and dreams of so many students.

YEAH...

Yeah! That literary was like a JC again... so that was sweet! Literary is pretty hard because it's so random! I feel like I did well on that first Q & A I took this afternoon, so you should grade that one first. The 2nd one was okay -- close. I should have practiced a little more before taking the 2nd one. The first one felt so good, I was maybe a little too cocky! Also, thanks for everything, Nova... I really feel like I get a lot of support and encouragement from my instructors and from the college... the regular e-mails, quotes of the day, etc. It is helping, because I am starting to burn out -- especially since it's so nice outside! I know that it will be worth it in the long run, but the support really means a lot.

While i had researched a great number of schools...

I am writing to thank the College of Court Reporting for its support through my journey to become a Court Reporter. While I had researched a great number of schools, I knew that CCR was the school for me after speaking with the helpful, courteous, and supportive staff members there.  It is truly an honor to be learning a specialized skill from legendary reporters who have pioneered a very intricate training technique for students of machine shorthand. This demonstrates that my teachers not only have dedication but passion for the skill they are teaching.  I have already come to realize that my progression is happening in a very efficient and “speedy” manner due to CCR’s method of training. Due to your professional and gentle coaching, I know that I will become a very successful court reporter who will demonstrate the effectiveness of CCR’s coaching method.  Bound to make you proud.

I wanted to take the time to thank you...

I wanted to take the time to thank you and your staff for all your help and support.  Your professional staff have helped me to transition into a full blown online student.  I am so grateful.  I'm looking forward to starting speedbuilding in February.  I know I can make it if I continue to press toward the mark.  Best wishes.

At other schools I have attended...

I am sure you already know how wonderful Kathy Lazart is, but I just want to pass along my appreciation for her. She is always on top of things, and she truly makes all transactions smooth and worry-free. At other schools I have attended, financial aid disbursements and university bill issues have typically been hectic, inconsistent, and somewhat confusing. This is not the case when dealing with Kathy. I always know that any matter in which she is involved will be handled accurately, timely, and with the utmost professionalism.

I LOVED the online program at CCR...

I LOVED the online program at CCR; it was fantastic. I had been in a different online program and it was HORRIBLE. It was a college in Del Mar, Texas and their technology was horrible, they were never in contact with the students, they didn't care who you were or what your goal was and I was, literally, out in cyberspace. It was a joke and a waste of my time and money. When I enrolled at CCR, I can't tell you how wonderful everything was. First of all, I did attend an onsite school part time in the evenings for a couple of years, then got pregnant with my son, so my initial theory and some of my classes were done physically at a school - however, since starting so long ago and having a long break, I finished my academics and my speeds online and found it to be SO beneficial to me. This is an individualized program that is completed at YOUR speed and in YOUR time frame. You decide how much practice you are going to do and when, etc. Personally, I think that court reporting should be done online and remotely if the student has a support staff like the staff and teachers at CCR. I got my speed completed in less than a year at CCR, but I came in at 160 WPM, though I practiced every day and I was very dedicated. I finished my academics just this past May and am now an official graduate of the school :-)!!!! I am very proud of myself, too!

First of all, the program definitely exceeds ALL my expectations...

First of all, the program definitely exceeds ALL my expectations of any online program. I had tried another online program which "claimed" to be top-notch. If I had to describe a difference between that program and CCR's program it was like I got stuck with a lemon Chevette with the other program, versus a loaded Cadillac with the program at CCR. The technology that CCR has is the best that is available for aspiring reporters. For the online students, this is the most important because of the information that we need to access via the internet and the programs/classes that we need to be in. The staff at CCR are all VERY knowledgeable in court reporting - a MUST - because not only do they pass on their knowledge to you as a student, but you as a person. They care about YOU and what you will learn and what skills you will need when starting out in the field. The staff are very well versed in ALL the areas necessary - from technology, to being past or current reporters, to having alternate jobs as closed captioners - and they've all been involved with this field for so long, you are getting the information taught to you from the best, literally!

Hope all is well with everyone at CCR...

Hope all is well with everyone at CCR. I just wanted to touch base with you to find out when my completed interning handbook is due? I am having a blast with my mentor. Not only is she 25 years seasoned, but she is very attentive to me and my needs. I am so excited about completing soon and beginning to work. Cindy thinks that I am near ready but would like for me to pass at least my 180 mentored test so I can start taking some jobs. I have recently applied for my notary and I should have that in about a month, at which point I hope to have a recommendation from you to Cindy that I am prepared to start working. I know there is a lot of work for me to do between now and then, but I am working with Lois to get to that point. By the way, Lois has been such a great instructor throughout my entire time here at CCR I just wanted to let you know that she really deserves a pat on the back. I would like to send her something at the school, what days is she usually there? Thank you also for taking time to help me reach my goals.

You guys rock...

Dear Jay, just wanted to let you know that I think your encouraging emails and cards are really the best. Especially with long distance students; it helps keep me in focus during those more trying weeks. You guys rock.

As for any areas misled or underserved - absolutely not...

As for any areas misled or underserved - absolutely not. I can certainly say that this school exceeded my expectations on several accounts - because I had been enrolled in a different online program, and because I started my studies at a different program onsite at a school here in Chicago. I started court reporting school back in 1995 (October). Unfortunately, I didn't have the theory at CCR, but in taking the speed classes and seeing how "online" classes are conducted; the theory courses are probably better than an onsite school. Anyway, I went to my first school in Chicago, for 4 years, part time in the evenings and on Saturdays, and enjoyed it very much. While I thought in the beginning they were a school that "cared", there were MANY changes. The owner wanted to sell the school - you can't blame her, but it was not good for the students. The school was bought by another local university and all of our academic classes were then "not in a fit with it's accreditation" so, in other words, we would not have been able to receive a degree by their standards. At the end of 4 years, I went on "hiatus" because I had my son. I didn't realize what an impact that would become with regards to not going back for a while. This is the first time I attempted to go back and when I was enrolled in the online program at the school in Texas. It was miserable - didn't get materials on time, their online site was down often, NO contact with the teacher or other students. After 1 quarter, I was totally upset about everything and I withdrew. Then, I had my daughter. When she turned 1, though, I made the firm decision that I was going to go back and finish because I knew this is what I want to do, but I had to research things, first. If there is one thing I learned so far that is of key importance in this type of training/schooling, it is that it truly matters where you attend school.

Well, I have to get going, but just to let everyone know...

Well, I have to get going, but just to let everyone know, I am a transfer student, I have been going to a school here in Cincinnati for the last two years, and am not happy with it, I had one of CCR's graduate students as one of my teachers for a couple of my quarters, for the two years I was there I feel that I learned more from her than I had in the previous 2 years, before I knew she was from CCR, all she did was praise how much she learned from her school in comparison to the way our school was. When I mentioned to her that I was thinking about taking an online course and told her the name of the school I was really surprised to learn that I was considering the same school. I just wanted to let everyone know that if I can learn as much as my teacher had to teach us, that I will be extremely happy that I choose to transfer to CCR.

First things first; if you are shopping for an online court reporting program..

First things first; if you are shopping for an online court reporting program because you can’t find a school where you live or you have a schedule that makes trekking to and from a campus impossible or you can’t stand the idea of sitting in a classroom again because you got your B.A. and Masters degrees 20 years ago, it’s no easier than calling the National Court Reporters Association and asking who they recommend. In the summer of 2002, the NCRA had 5 references for me. I immediately liked the sound of Stacy Drohosky’s voice when I called the College of Court Reporting in Hobart, Indiana, and had an intuition CCR was for me right off the bat. She called back that very day; with regard to the other four schools, I was forced to leave messages on answering machines and got no calls back that day or the next. 48 hours later I did get a call from another school, but they didn’t leave their name or number so I had to guess who to call back. When I did, I found out that they required court reporting students to spend at least one semester living on campus, and I didn’t think I was going to head cross-country to check into a dorm room and sweat it out for 4 months, leaving my job closed-captioning TV shows and movies (offline) for the hearing impaired, behind. Nope, no school held a candle to CCR right from the start, in my humble opinion (as the online phrase IMHO goes), and so it was a matter of jumping through the hoops to get some money gathered together and apply.

IT was the best decision I have made...

It was the best decision I have made to attend College of Court Reporting. Their online program is phenomenal. They get you your materials in plenty of time, the staff and the administration are always ready, willing, and able to help you out with any questions and since they all seem to work well together, they know which person to turn to regarding any issues. I had a problem in the very beginning with accessing the online Virtual Classroom. I am SO not IT orientated, but all my problems I was walked through to a solution with Jeff (the school's president), who is very IT orientated. It didn't take much time, but the time he took with me on the phone and the time he spent researching what my issue was meant so much. I know that this school cares if their students pass or not. That is SO nice. I started back in the 160-180 speed classes and have since passed all my speed classes. I am taking my CSR on August 20th and have been practicing whenever I have free moments.

If I had to do it all over again, I would have...

If I had to do it all over again, I would have STARTED from CCR. Had that been the case, I'd be a working reporter right now. The reason I am not is because I have to pass the CSR or RPR state examination in Illinois. The last three times I have missed by less than 15 errors - which is AWESOME. I know I am right there and just need to rid myself of the nerves. There will be NO issues in getting a job. There is SUCH a great need for reporters out there - I get letters from different states asking me to move there and trying to get me to work for them. The choice will ultimately be mine when I pass the state exam - and I will be such a benefit to the field, if I do say so myself! ;-)

Thank you for a great first week...

This note does not have anything to do with a problem or anything that needs attention. It is simply to thank you for a great first week and for offering students an online court reporting program that feels, as Baby Bear might put it about his porridge, "just right."  Have a great weekend.