Allen School’s brick and mortar campuses are in the greater New York Metro area. So many of us in this community are well aware of the logistics of getting around in one of the world’s most densely populated areas. But if you live in any major city, you know what it is like to drive or take transit during peak hours. It ain’t pretty!
For most, online students, convenience is the primary motivator in choosing online study over on-campus study. The ability to focus on studies according to one’s own schedule, making time for work and family is one of the key drivers of a decision to study in a virtual classroom. I know for many, avoiding spending hours in commute traffic to get to and from campus is a huge deal. When I saw the graphic below, it really struck me, the insane volume of commuters that go in and out of New York City everyday. It made me feel very grateful for my “work from home” job.
The map on the left shows population density in Manhattan and Brooklyn during business hours Monday through Friday. On the right, it shows population density after business hours. It is unbelievable how many folks flood into and out of the city every single day. But I guess if you’ve ever sat in traffic trying to get through the Lincoln Tunnel or on Canal Street trying to get across town to the Brooklyn Bridge, then you know what a nightmare this can be.
Yet another reason to pat yourself on the back for choosing to study online. Not only are you saving time by avoiding these horrible commutes, but you’re not using fossil fuels to get to and from class and probably enjoying a lower blood presure too by avoiding gnarly traffic jams.
As a life long resident of New Jersey, I can definitely relate to the NY traffic. I used to work in Fort Lee, NJ, which is where you get on the George Washington Bridge to go into NY. With no traffic, it would take me 20 minutes to get from my house to my office. But most mornings it took me anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, because the GWB is ALWAYS backed up.
Not having to travel in this to go to school is the greatest. I come home, put on my comfy clothes, sign on my computer, and go to class. This is my first online school experience, and I don’t think I would ever take classes any other way again.
Attending Allen School was not my first experience with online schools. My first experience was Strayer University and because of attending Strayer, navigating and familiarize myself with Allen School became that much easier. In fact, Strayer and Allen have the exact same format and set-up. However that is where the similarities end: Allen School was much more interactive. I had technical support, ClassLive sessions and email, follow-up calls and emails in case an assignment did not get turned in, most of which were not available with Strayer. And looking back over the past nine months of attending Allen School these things really do make a difference from a student’s perspective. Otherwise the student feels disconnected from the school and their instructors and eventually may seek education from another establishment because of these feelings. I enjoyed my time with Allen School, learned an incredible amount of information and meet with high quality instructors who wanted to educate their students.
For me, Allen School Online was not only my first online learning experience, but my first post high school education experience. When I first decided on this school, I felt that maybe I would be missing out on something only offered at traditional schools. I completely take that back. The most important thing when choosing any school is whether you will get a good learning experience. I definitely got that here. The website was easy to navigate, technical support was easy to contact, and the instructors were the best. They really made you feel they were there for you and that they wanted you to succeed. Not only are they great instructors, they are experienced in there field. Attending this school has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Great Post!
Hello Everyone,
My name is Subrina Chowtie, I have been enrolled at the Allen School Online since May 2009, I will graduate during the last week of Feb 2010. I would like to share with anyone who is interested in taking classes at this school my opinion and experiences. I like going to this school because whenever i was stuck, if ever i had an issue, it may be i needed help with my assignments or i may have been experiencing issues with my computer or the website, all i had to do was call the support line, 24/7, they were there. Also, my teachers- were always ready to help me with any misunderstanding i may have had, all i had to do was send them and e-mail or give them a call. Everyone wants to see you accomplish your goals, they are here to help.
I would highly recommend this school, to any and everyone.
I remember, at one point, i felt insecure, i felt as though this course was too much for me, I called the school directly, and i spoke to one of the staff members; i must say, they are very friendly and they have a ton of patience. They understood where i (as a student and as a working individual) was coming from. They gave me motivation to not quit, they gave me strenght and encouragement to go forward with my classes.
So, inconclusion, if you are thinking about attending this school, I say, “What do you have to lose?” Give it a shot. I’m sure you’ll like it.
P.S. Remember you can do classes in your PJs! I like that part of it the most 🙂
Guy
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I went back and re-read what I wrote so long ago, just starting my online experience. I have to admit I was worried about the quality of education I would receive and if I would be able to learn as much as going to a local college, but I have to say, it has been a better experience than I thought. I did not feel too isolated, but when totally frustrated, I read the comments of the other classmates and their help and the instructors got me through the hard times. We became a unit and we all helped each other. I have a sense of pride that I was able to accomplish this with all the challenges that came with it. I had the support of my husband and family, and it was a great encouragement for my grandchildren to see grandma go back to school and finish. I recommend this to everyone, and am grateful for this opportunity.
After pondering (before I started school online) about going back to school after being out of school for sometime, I was apprehensive about the whole online education. Being a single mom of an 11 year old, it made it challenging to go back to school, make time for my son, and maintain a full-time job to support the two of us. Attending Allen School Online allowed me to do such things and then some. I have heard people say, “How can you learn anything?” I know it is possible. I am a “hands on” person, this is one of the reasons I am succeeding in the online education experience. I enjoyed my online learning experience, and would not only recommend it, but I am considering on returning in the near future.
Not having to travel this made going to school the greatest. This is my first online school experience, I enjoyed my time with Allen School, learned an incredible amount of information most important thing when choosing any school is whether you will get a good learning experience. The website was easy to navigate, attending this school has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Also, my teachers- were always ready to help me with any misunderstanding I may have had, all I had to do was send them and e-mail or give them a call. Everyone wants to see you accomplish your goals. I would do a online school again.
The ability to focus on studies according to one’s own schedule, making time for work and family is one of the key drivers of a decision to study in a virtual classroom. I know for many, avoiding spending hours in commute traffic to get to and from campus is a huge deal. When I saw the graphic below, it really struck me, the insane volume of commuters that go in and out of New York City everyday.
There’s many reasons to love online education but I think the biggest reason is the convenience.
Now that’s a great post Anthony. I totally agree with you about the convenience of home based study!
Saying that though with the advent of the I Pad and mini laptops it should be a lot easier to study anywhere perhaps a park bench in the great outdoors.
We all live in an amazing world so why be holed up at home Studying!
Regards.
-Phillip
Thanks again for another great post. I love the picture of NY by day vs night. The City that never sleeps doesnt seem so busy when you look at it that way.
I am lucky to be one that doesnt have to work in a actual office. I am able to use my medical billing software from home.
Keep writing!
Commuting into Manhattan is actually not that bad on Metro North Railroad. My company subsidizes commuting costs for anyone who uses mass transit instead of driving. I will go as far as to say that it can be relaxing on my commute. And then a 5-10 minute walk from Grand Central.
Unfortunately I am required to go into the office and can’t avoid the dreaded commute. However, I am lucky because on days I feel like staying home and working from there I am able to use my digital dashboard software and work in my pjs!
It is amazing Manhattan doesn’t sink with all the addition attention during business hours.
Yet another example of how virtual infrastructure benefits both people and also the planet. Manhattans carbon footprint must be incredibly high during the week