Recently added to Neuqua’s large repertoire of classes are online classes in which students do not take a class at school but do every assignment independently and turn in work online. The online-class requires several programs such as Wimba, similar to AIM, in which students can communicate with other students, along with Voice Board, which enables students to speak through microphones, and Pronto which acts as a chat room for all students and the instructor.
Many students have never heard of the online courses Neuqua offers because of the lack of publicity. Since the online-courses are relatively new, they are not mentioned in the 2008-2009 course catalog, nor are they mentioned on the NVHS or IPSD website. Most students only found out about online-courses from counselors after asking if there was a way to clear up schedules and add an additional option period.
Students who are enrolled in online-courses essentially have two option periods. The second option period is supposed to be used for working on online-class work, but can also be utilized to do homework, socialize, make up tests, and talk to teachers or counselors. “I like how you do not have to plan your day around the homework and have that period of the day just for studying and doing other homework so you do not have to bring your book home,” said sophomore Mary McCauhgey, who is enrolled in online health. “It is not difficult,” McCauhgey said when asked about the complexity of the class. “I love the online discussions and Wimba. It seems more connected. Many people who are quiet in class speak online.”
Just as in class, the teacher takes role of the students present in the chat room, and the students raise a virtual hand to mark that they are present. Additionally, students are involved in large chats, in which the teacher speaks through a microphone, and fifteen or so students reply to her questions or comments. The teacher may also display a slideshow above the chat room screen that all students watch simultaneously. Instead of expressing emotions through tone of voice, facial expression, and gestures, students express themselves by using emoticons, capital letters, and exclamation points. When asked about trouble shooting problems installing the numerous programs, McCaughgey said, “I had no problems what so ever.”
Online and in-class health teacher, Laura Kurtyak, realizes the effect that an online class can have on a student. “Social interaction is an important component of leading a healthy, balanced life,” she said “with the amount of time many teenagers spend online already, online classes can take away from the social interaction that occurs in the classroom with adults and peers.” Additionally, since the students are not being constantly watched by a teacher, slacking off and taking an online course for an easy ‘A’ might seem possible to a lazy student. “I have to trust that students will take this course as seriously as face to face courses because it still is a requirement for graduation,” said Kurtyak. “If students choose to not do the work, they will only be hurting themselves.”
By Anna Miller, Echo Staff Writer
