by Aja Landolfi, staff reporter
Every week on Tuesdays and Fridays, the freshman classes have their online health class. The health classes are supervised by Mr. Reff, Ms. Johnston, and Ms. Douvres but the students learn the material on the computer. These online lessons have only been offered for two years.
Broken up into nine units, it includes a getting started lesson that teaches students how to use the course. Every unit has a workout log, a project, and a discussion based assessment. Halfway through all of the units, there is an exam the students must take to hold them accountable for what they’ve learned. They then take their final exam after they have completed all nine units.
At the end of each week the students have either a milestone assignment, project, or exam due. Some students struggle to understand what the projects are asking them to do, and look to the internet to find the answers they need.
A majority of students taking the class dislike the current method and wish for another solution.
“Without teachers teaching and just giving us assignments on the computer, it’s hard to learn,” freshman Autumn Legunas said.
Nonetheless students are required to take one year of health. Whether it is online or taught by a teacher students can benefit either way.
“I think I’d rather have a teacher because it’s easier for you to interact with them and to ask more questions. I had Ms. E [two years ago] and I liked that she explained everything and had PowerPoints it was easier to understand. I also like that I could talk to other students about what we were learning. With an online class you can’t really do that,” junior Marcella Orlando said.
Being aware of the issues that can affect a persons life is a good way to become prepared because health affects everyone’s life. A high school health class can be a helpful way to introduce students to issues that they may encounter in life.
