Students Debate Merits of Learning Styles

Paris

The students of Notre Dame Academy are fortunate enough to have the option to take required academic classes over the summer. These classes include Health, Computer Apps and Government.

This allows students to get some credits done so that schedules can be filled with electives that interest the student during the school year.

The courses run from June 5-23, Monday through Friday.

Incoming eighth graders through incoming seniors are able to take Computer Applications with Mrs. Marcia Holtz, incoming freshmen through incoming seniors have the option of taking Health with Mrs. Jessica Beaverson, and incoming sophomores through incoming seniors are given the opportunity to take Government with Mr. Casey Feldstein.

Is it better for these classes to be taken online, or in person?

“A pro of having the summer academic courses online would be more flexibility for when you can do your coursework, but a con would be that it requires more discipline to stay up to speed on all coursework without meeting with an instructor in person daily.

“A pro of having the summer academic courses in person would be that you are able to ask questions and interact easier with an instructor in person, than you can online. A con would be that you have a set time to meet in person everyday, and it might be hard to commit to that for three weeks of your summer,” Mr. Mark Richards, who previously taught Summer Health, said.

When Covid-19 was putting everyone in lockdown, out of safety for students and staff, Notre Dame Academy offered these classes online. With Covid19 at a manageable point, these classes will now be in person again.

There are pros and cons to both.

"After teaching Summer Government both in person and online, I feel very strongly that the summer classes should be in person because it is what's best for the students. I think students learn much better and are more engaged in an in person environment. Also, in person classes allow me to do fun, interactive activities like simulations, which enhance learning and make the content come alive for the students. Those hands-on learning experiences simply cannot be replicated online over Zoom,” Mr. Feldstein said.

While online classes could be less of a hassle for many people, in person makes the information much more attainable, thus possibly easier to learn.

“In person learning is more beneficial because it ensures that information is being retained and you have to focus on the teacher, as well as the lesson. While with online learning, it is much easier to doze off and not focus on the task at hand,” junior Rylie O’Shea said.

Some argue online classes will make the information easier because the handson experience will be unavailable.

“I believe that the classes should be taught online because I feel as if when I am in a more comfortable environment, I am better at retaining the information,” junior Mo McCanna said.

Zoom breakout rooms are now a universal experience, and those who have partaken in one know it is not an ideal situation for collaboration and communication.

Untrustworthy Wi-Fi, children fighting, pets getting out of cages, the downfalls and mishaps of Zoom can easily pile up. With in person learning, however, the ability to work with classmates is available and easy to attain.

“There are pros and cons for virtual learning, but when it comes to Computer Applications, in person is definitely better. All the students will be using the same technology, computer brand and model with identical software. It is also much easier to focus and get feedback while in person. When you are face to face, there is more clear and concise communication. It will also be so easier to engage with the students and learning is more effective and fun since most of communication is body language and that is missing from virtual learning. I am really looking forward to the summer class this year and excited to be back in person,” Mrs. Holtz said.