How does the Online Class Work?
Court Reporting Institute of Louisiana utilizes the Stenograph University Blackboard Website for the online program. Upon enrollment, students gain a User ID and Password to log in to the website.
The instructor will walk each student through downloading the Case CATalyst software required for the program, as well as the use of the stenograph writer.
The court reporting program begins with learning the “theory” for court reporting, which is the system for writing on the machine. A syllabus outlines the lessons to be covered over the course of the class, which includes Theory I and Theory II.
Online class meets once a week in a “virtual classroom” and gets introduced to the lesson for the week. Students participate by asking questions. Students may also email throughout the week with any questions or issues that may come up during the week. Each assignment must be completed on or before the due date.
The website is available 24/7 in order for students to access the lessons and dictations at their convenience. Students must meet a minimum number of required hours for the program in order to progress. All practiced writing must be saved to a file and downloaded to the “Digital Dropbox” and emailed to the instructor. Upon completion of each lesson, an evaluation test will be administered.
Upon completion of Theory, students then move into Realtime Reporting I through V to complete the program. Students may progress at their own level of progression. A certain number of tests are required to be passed at each speed level to insure competency. When all tests are completed, a student will then enter an intern program in close proximity to their residence. At this time, you are able to test for the certification exam to receive licensure if required in your state.
For academic classes, students will be informed what classes are available to complete. Traditionally, students complete one academic class per quarter or per two quarters.
Is Online Education Right for me?
Here at Court Reporting Institute of Louisiana, our goal is to assist you in becoming a successful court reporter. We want you to know the requirements for being an online student who will succeed. There are many benefits to taking an online course, enrolling in an online program of study, or supplementing your current education with online course enhancements. Only you can decide what is best for you.
Court reporting takes an average of three years to complete. Remember, this is average. We have had students successfully complete the program in as little as 21 months (onsite). The onsite advantage is the discipline that you must attend class, someone is waiting for you, and the camaraderie of classmates to encourage one another.
Online students must be disciplined from within, self-motivated, and goal-oriented. You must organize your schedule and have the necessary time set aside each day to master the skills of court reporting. Assignments must be completed on or before the due date.
In order to be proficient as an online students, the following is a list of computer skills you should have knowledge of or the ability to learn:
- Use a word processing, spreadsheet, or other application software package on my computer;
- If something on my computer does not work, be able to call technical support;
- Adjust the volume control on a computer;
- Format a document using the “Format” drop down list;
- Install a printer on my computer;
- Minimize an active window to the Windows task bar in order to work in another window;
- Use both the left and right click functions of a mouse;
- A computer available to use exclusively on a daily basis for required study time;
- Personal email address; send and receive email with attachments;
- A voice chat account;
- Install and remove software from a computer;
- Ability to set up Internet service or someone available to set it up for you on a computer;
- Use a Web browser;
- Use a computer for research.
If you feel that you can answer yes to most of the items listed above, you should have no problems with the technical issues of completing a course online.
Of course, we are available to assist you in these areas throughout your enrollment. So do not let the above list be a discouragement to you. We just want you to be able to work proficiently as a student.
What Computer Equipment do I Need to Study Online?
At a minimum, you will need a computer (preferably a laptop) with:
- Pentium 4 (equivalent) processor or higher
- 1 Gigabyte RAM or greater
- Operating system, Windows XP, 2000 or Vista (32-bit version only, not 64-bit)
- Sound Card and Speakers (headphones optional)
- CD-ROM drive
- Adequate hard drive space for courses selected
- Internet access, Java enabled Internet browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher)*
- Personal email address
- Windows compatible word processor software such as Microsoft Word
- High-speed Internet connection such as DSL, Broadband or cable required
- Video graphics accelerator Card
Most computers and laptops far exceed the above list, but should be noted if you are using an older computer.
What Stenotype Machine, Software and Books do I need to Study Online?
Stenotype Machine: Stenograph 400 SRT or Protégé realtime writer. A manual machine is not sufficient in order to write realtime and download assignments. CRIL can order the machine for you with a credit card or provide you with the order form or may be purchased used. ($700 - $1600)
Software: Case CATalyst Student Software is required in order to write in realtime and download completed assignments to the instructor. ($550)
Textbooks:
- Phoenix Theory Textbook (set of two books and reading exercises)
- Metronome
- Phoenix Theory Fast Track
- Phoenix Theory Dictionary
- Phoenix Theory Quick Reference Guide
- Phoenix Theory Speed Plus I – V
- Medical Terminology
- Legal Terminology
- Learning Case CATalyst Software
- Court Reporting Practice & Procedures
- English I and English II
Textbooks may be purchased as needed. Phoenix Theory Textbooks are the only required books to begin the program.