Comments on: Pros and Cons of The Art Institute Online http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/ The Art Institute Online Student Community. Built for the students...by the students of The Art Institute Online. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:19:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.2 By: Sonia http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-12189 Sonia Fri, 16 May 2008 14:17:48 +0000 http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-12189 DON'T DO IT!! I would sugggest doing your research first. I learned my lesson a little too late. They late enrolled me, enrolled me in a class that was never mentioned or even asked if I had the time to take it, which I don't .It is not in the finacial plan . I have been e-mailing and calling and no-one will give me a straight answer. So I basically got a terrible grade for that class because by the time I was able to even read it the assignment due date had come and gone. I was concerned about it two weeks before the classes even started because I could not log on to get a head start. They kept assureing me that everything was ok , and it's not. Don't waist your time. Or at the very least don't let them talk you into enrolling right away. The pressured me into starting ASAP even though they could not get there paper work together in time. I still don't think it is straightned out. Take your time make sure all the paper work financial aid and everything is set in stone (and good luck with getting that) well before your start date. DON'T LET THEM TALK YOU INTO IT!. They sugar coat everything, they are lying to you . It's too late for me , but save yourselves!!!!!! DON’T DO IT!!
I would sugggest doing your research first. I learned my lesson a little too late. They late enrolled me, enrolled me in a class that was never mentioned or even asked if I had the time to take it, which I don’t .It is not in the finacial plan . I have been e-mailing and calling and no-one will give me a straight answer. So I basically got a terrible grade for that class because by the time I was able to even read it the assignment due date had come and gone.
I was concerned about it two weeks before the classes even started because I could not log on to get a head start. They kept assureing me that everything was ok , and it’s not. Don’t waist your time. Or at the very least don’t let them talk you into enrolling right away. The pressured me into starting ASAP even though they could not get there paper work together in time. I still don’t think it is straightned out. Take your time make sure all the paper work financial aid and everything is set in stone (and good luck with getting that) well before your start date.
DON’T LET THEM TALK YOU INTO IT!. They sugar coat everything, they are lying to you .
It’s too late for me , but save yourselves!!!!!!

]]> By: Sonia http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-12033 Sonia Fri, 09 May 2008 17:09:00 +0000 http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-12033 I agrre with Jace, they are sales people and will tell you anything . It did sound like a script, when i asked a question i could never get a straight answer . Mostly with the finacial person. I f i asked a specific question they answer with a word for word repeat of what they already read me. I also tried e-mails and they will never answer the questions straight forward. It's almost as if they do not know the answers or they just don't want it to be documented. I have been told that the start is may 8th. 2008 but yet i still see nothing online for the classes , i have no idea what is going on. Everytime they need me fill something out, i do it and then get another from to fil out. They need to get it together and give it to me all @ once. I feel like i have been lied to on many occasions, too much detail for that. But yes , i am very scared right now and feel i am about to owe a bunch of money and get screwed out of an education. I'm tempted to just call it all off and find another school but i don't even know how to do that. Any suggestions on some good online schools? I have 0 freetime two hours late at light is the most because I work full time and have twins. And live on my own. Maybe everything will come together and it will be ok, but I am not feeling that right now. Thanks Sonia I agrre with Jace, they are sales people and will tell you anything . It did sound like a script, when i asked a question i could never get a straight answer . Mostly with the finacial person. I f i asked a specific question they answer with a word for word repeat of what they already read me. I also tried e-mails and they will never answer the questions straight forward. It’s almost as if they do not know the answers or they just don’t want it to be documented. I have been told that the start is may 8th. 2008 but yet i still see nothing online for the classes , i have no idea what is going on. Everytime they need me fill something out, i do it and then get another from to fil out. They need to get it together and give it to me all @ once. I feel like i have been lied to on many occasions, too much detail for that. But yes , i am very scared right now and feel i am about to owe a bunch of money and get screwed out of an education. I’m tempted to just call it all off and find another school but i don’t even know how to do that.
Any suggestions on some good online schools? I have 0 freetime two hours late at light is the most because I work full time and have twins. And live on my own.
Maybe everything will come together and it will be ok, but I am not feeling that right now.
Thanks
Sonia

]]> By: Juan http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-10977 Juan Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:58:20 +0000 http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-10977 As a recent student at AIO I would like to add my take. There are positive aspects to the Art Institute, however after a year and half of classes, most fall WELL short of the standards I came to expect at a normal college. Facilitators were hit and miss, some very interested and engaged, others barely there. As is most things in life, you get out of it what you put into it, however I think AIO misses the mark regardless. Antiquated platform, "facilitators" instead of teachers, classes that are too short (I'm sorry, but 5.5 weeks is not long enough for depth of certain subjects), etc... Some may have a good experience, but in the end you'll end up with a massive student loan debt and still not learn what you need to know. Go to the library, it's free and you can get the same info. As a recent student at AIO I would like to add my take. There are positive aspects to the Art Institute, however after a year and half of classes, most fall WELL short of the standards I came to expect at a normal college. Facilitators were hit and miss, some very interested and engaged, others barely there. As is most things in life, you get out of it what you put into it, however I think AIO misses the mark regardless. Antiquated platform, “facilitators” instead of teachers, classes that are too short (I’m sorry, but 5.5 weeks is not long enough for depth of certain subjects), etc… Some may have a good experience, but in the end you’ll end up with a massive student loan debt and still not learn what you need to know. Go to the library, it’s free and you can get the same info.

]]> By: Shane Eubanks http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-10258 Shane Eubanks Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:36:48 +0000 http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-10258 Thanks for your thoughts, David. If you have some positive things that you'd like to share about your experience with AIO, I'm sure other prospective students would love to see them. As for thinking the negative opinions come from a certain type of people "who have a history of procrastination and obvious lacking of past educational prosperity" I can speak for myself and many of those that provided the majority of the opinions posted. Actually, the majority of the comments came from people who have been working in the industry or have sought a higher (or alternative) education. I haven't logged into an AIO class since I graduated in September of 2006 and these opinions were collected in the month prior to my graduation. I passed the information along to various faculty at AIO in hopes to improve the curriculum and experience for students that followed. If you're currently in a class at AIO, I'd love to know if any of the negative comments have been addressed. I had a sincere hope that AIO would grow into "the" school for online education of the arts. Thanks for your thoughts, David. If you have some positive things that you’d like to share about your experience with AIO, I’m sure other prospective students would love to see them. As for thinking the negative opinions come from a certain type of people “who have a history of procrastination and obvious lacking of past educational prosperity” I can speak for myself and many of those that provided the majority of the opinions posted. Actually, the majority of the comments came from people who have been working in the industry or have sought a higher (or alternative) education. I haven’t logged into an AIO class since I graduated in September of 2006 and these opinions were collected in the month prior to my graduation. I passed the information along to various faculty at AIO in hopes to improve the curriculum and experience for students that followed. If you’re currently in a class at AIO, I’d love to know if any of the negative comments have been addressed. I had a sincere hope that AIO would grow into “the” school for online education of the arts.

]]> By: David http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-10245 David Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:05:34 +0000 http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-10245 I think the views of individuals from this site reflect a small portion of students who have had negative experiences. It's important to realize that most people who don't attend a 4 year degree directly after high school have limited academic potential as their lives progress and online gives an opportunity to these individuals. Although many students seeking a successful online learning experience are out there, I feel it’s important to take into consideration a lot of negative comments about AIO are coming from the other end of the spectrum. People who have a history of procrastination and obvious lacking of past educational prosperity are often another tier of individuals seeking online as a learning platform. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of negative comments come from those lacking work ethic as well as creative attributes to offer within their program. Ultimately, I guess what I am getting at is that a lot of potential online students don’t really have that much room to talk about when it comes to the concept of competencies. It’s their lacking in the past which has forced them to be left with an online source of education as their option. I think the views of individuals from this site reflect a small portion of students who have had negative experiences. It’s important to realize that most people who don’t attend a 4 year degree directly after high school have limited academic potential as their lives progress and online gives an opportunity to these individuals. Although many students seeking a successful online learning experience are out there, I feel it’s important to take into consideration a lot of negative comments about AIO are coming from the other end of the spectrum. People who have a history of procrastination and obvious lacking of past educational prosperity are often another tier of individuals seeking online as a learning platform. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of negative comments come from those lacking work ethic as well as creative attributes to offer within their program. Ultimately, I guess what I am getting at is that a lot of potential online students don’t really have that much room to talk about when it comes to the concept of competencies. It’s their lacking in the past which has forced them to be left with an online source of education as their option.

]]> By: Christian http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-9891 Christian Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:55:16 +0000 http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-9891 I currently attend the Art Institute of Philadelphia and was thinking of possibly switching to AIO. This article has answered a lot of concerns I have. So, I'd like to thank Shane for taking time to put this together. Anyway, the reason I've been thinking about AIO, is because I feel my grades have been suffering due to all the group projects I'm forced to do. It seems that every single class I take, the instructors kick back and force everyone to work together. I'm 22 and most of my classmates are straight out of high school, kids who seem to be there for all the wrong reasons, dragging there feet to every class. It's always the same too, there's one mule and the rest just jump on the wagon. So, I thought if I were to switch to AIO, the work would be more individualized and my true abilities would come through. I also thought AIO would be more challenging, since you're doing it all on your own. I almost thought that you'd learn more that way. But, from everyone's bitter feedback it seems like the opposite. So, I'm pretty torn. It's either, sit through four hour classes with these 18 year old brats who chose an art school because they felt it'd be easier than a traditional college or take a chance at AIO, which seems to have a lot of dissatisfied alumni/current students. If anyone could exchange thoughts with me and my current situation, it'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks and regards, Christian I currently attend the Art Institute of Philadelphia and was thinking of possibly switching to AIO. This article has answered a lot of concerns I have. So, I’d like to thank Shane for taking time to put this together.

Anyway, the reason I’ve been thinking about AIO, is because I feel my grades have been suffering due to all the group projects I’m forced to do. It seems that every single class I take, the instructors kick back and force everyone to work together. I’m 22 and most of my classmates are straight out of high school, kids who seem to be there for all the wrong reasons, dragging there feet to every class. It’s always the same too, there’s one mule and the rest just jump on the wagon. So, I thought if I were to switch to AIO, the work would be more individualized and my true abilities would come through.

I also thought AIO would be more challenging, since you’re doing it all on your own. I almost thought that you’d learn more that way. But, from everyone’s bitter feedback it seems like the opposite.

So, I’m pretty torn. It’s either, sit through four hour classes with these 18 year old brats who chose an art school because they felt it’d be easier than a traditional college or take a chance at AIO, which seems to have a lot of dissatisfied alumni/current students.

If anyone could exchange thoughts with me and my current situation, it’d be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and regards,
Christian

]]> By: Natalie http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-8877 Natalie Mon, 02 Jul 2007 23:45:19 +0000 http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-8877 Hey! well im going to start AIO right now on this semester well now on July 9! Im so excited and i hope everything goes great and that i dont have a downfall of my expectives. Take Care everyonee Im off to check out that site of students. Hey! well im going to start AIO right now on this semester well now on July 9!
Im so excited and i hope everything goes great and that i dont have a downfall of my expectives.
Take Care everyonee

Im off to check out that site of students.

]]> By: Shane Eubanks http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-7904 Shane Eubanks Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:15:53 +0000 http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-7904 Good points, Jennifer, and thank you for the positive reinforcement. Hopefully The Art Institute Online has taken points from this post (and comments) and addressed them since this has been written. I graduated in Sep of '06, so I'm not sure how it is now. In the fields that most of us are in, it's important to do two things if going to college. Learn AS MUCH as you can inside and outside of classes...and network with as many people as possible. It's highly possible that your classmates, facilitators, and people you come across will be valuable colleagues in the future. Learning a ton and making friends will make any education worthwhile. Sure, it's easy to "just get by" and make the grades, but the real deal is the extra steps a student takes beyond the classroom. Make that time count and you'll be well-rewarded. Good points, Jennifer, and thank you for the positive reinforcement. Hopefully The Art Institute Online has taken points from this post (and comments) and addressed them since this has been written. I graduated in Sep of ‘06, so I’m not sure how it is now. In the fields that most of us are in, it’s important to do two things if going to college. Learn AS MUCH as you can inside and outside of classes…and network with as many people as possible. It’s highly possible that your classmates, facilitators, and people you come across will be valuable colleagues in the future. Learning a ton and making friends will make any education worthwhile. Sure, it’s easy to “just get by” and make the grades, but the real deal is the extra steps a student takes beyond the classroom. Make that time count and you’ll be well-rewarded.

]]> By: Jennifer Janke http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-7784 Jennifer Janke Tue, 05 Jun 2007 12:52:05 +0000 http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-7784 It's really a shame that people are using small amount of posts on this site as the deciding factor regarding AIO. I am just about to start my 2nd year with AIO and couldn't be happier. After being in the ID industry (I'm an Interior Design major) for 15 years, I have learned more than I thought I would over the past year. I think that people should look at the good AND the bad before making a final decision. I would (and have) recommended AIO to family and friends in a heartbeat. No one, no school, no place of employment, etc. is going to make 100% of the people 100% happy 100% of the time. Just keep that in mind. Jennifer Janke It’s really a shame that people are using small amount of posts on this site as the deciding factor regarding AIO. I am just about to start my 2nd year with AIO and couldn’t be happier. After being in the ID industry (I’m an Interior Design major) for 15 years, I have learned more than I thought I would over the past year. I think that people should look at the good AND the bad before making a final decision. I would (and have) recommended AIO to family and friends in a heartbeat. No one, no school, no place of employment, etc. is going to make 100% of the people 100% happy 100% of the time. Just keep that in mind.

Jennifer Janke

]]> By: Jace http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-4470 Jace Tue, 06 Mar 2007 18:55:22 +0000 http://www.aiostudents.com/school/the-art-institute-online/pros-and-cons-of-the-art-institute-online/#comment-4470 I'm glad that I found this site, first of all, so thank you. I am (was) a prospective student for AIO, and just spoke with an advisor on the phone yesterday. The whole thing sounded a bit off while talking to him. He had the tone of a prescripted phone salesman, which doesn't help to build any confidence with this program. I did not finish with him, because I didn't want to waste 50 bucks just applying for the place that I am unsure about. So I told him I'd call him back later when I had time. The guy had me on my phone for about 2 hours, and I only own a cell phone mind you, so that's a big hit on my minutes. I wanted to hang up on him, but I really would like to get into an online degree program. I've been told some advice: before you buy into something, go to Google, and type the name of the company, and the word "SUCKS" after it, and check out the results. That's what I did for AIO and came up with this. Thank goodness too, I don't think I can shell out that much money for such a shoddy-sounding program. I think I am going to look into some other online degree programs. (Looking for my Bachelors in a Game Art and Design program, 3d modeling, etc) Hopefully there's something out there that's worth looking into. If not, I guess I'll just build some models for Half-Life 2 and see where it leads me. I’m glad that I found this site, first of all, so thank you. I am (was) a prospective student for AIO, and just spoke with an advisor on the phone yesterday. The whole thing sounded a bit off while talking to him. He had the tone of a prescripted phone salesman, which doesn’t help to build any confidence with this program. I did not finish with him, because I didn’t want to waste 50 bucks just applying for the place that I am unsure about. So I told him I’d call him back later when I had time. The guy had me on my phone for about 2 hours, and I only own a cell phone mind you, so that’s a big hit on my minutes. I wanted to hang up on him, but I really would like to get into an online degree program.

I’ve been told some advice: before you buy into something, go to Google, and type the name of the company, and the word “SUCKS” after it, and check out the results. That’s what I did for AIO and came up with this. Thank goodness too, I don’t think I can shell out that much money for such a shoddy-sounding program.

I think I am going to look into some other online degree programs. (Looking for my Bachelors in a Game Art and Design program, 3d modeling, etc) Hopefully there’s something out there that’s worth looking into. If not, I guess I’ll just build some models for Half-Life 2 and see where it leads me.

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