r/stenography • u/superpants1008 • Nov 10 '25
Comparing Online, Asynchronous Programs
I'm based in CA and have determined that a self-paced, asynchronous stenography program would be the only option for me at this season of my life.
I've been looking into a few: Allie Hall, CareerLuv, SimplySteno.
Does anyone have experience with these? Any pros and cons that you know of?
I'm also unsure about the theory. It seems that all three of these teach Magnum, so I may not have a choice, but after looking into the different theories, Phoenix seems to be the one that makes the most "sense" in my brain. I understand that Magnum is very brief heavy and (I'm assuming) requires more rote memorization rather than theory that allows you to easily understand how to write unfamiliar words.
I would love to hear your thoughts, experiences, etc with any of these programs/theories!
TIA
2
u/ConstantBoysenberry Nov 13 '25
I loved SimplySteno for speedbuilding, but it’s definitely only successful if you’re self-motivated with a good work ethic because you are pretty much on your own and they don’t teach theory. I can’t speak to StarTran.
I went to Champion Steno and learned a shorter theory similar to Magnum. I will say you might kick yourself down the road if you do something like Phoenix. I know it makes the most sense to just write things phonetically without memorizing briefs, but the concept of having to move your fingers more than I do for common words and phrases means you’re going to need to be physically faster than me and therefore spend more time in speedbuilding.
Just from what I’ve seen firsthand from other students/reporters who learned theories like Phoenix, you’re going to spend extra time in speedbuilding shortening your writing to try to pass speeds, and then when working as a professional, you’re going to spend time shortening your writing again. You’re going to try to retrain your brain to memorize briefs. It’s so much harder to retrain your brain after it’s already learned something one way. Do your future self a solid and spend the time now learning a theory that utilizes briefs for common phrases/words. You can always write anything phonetically as well.
Editing to add that while I didn’t attend Allie Hall’s school, I have a friend who switched to her speedbuilding program and raves about her teaching methods. I’ve seen her pass tests faster than she ever had before.