By Olivia Janasik
STAFF WRITER
For the second semester of this school year, Andover High School has decided to make synchronous classes mandatory for all students to attend. Students must be in class for at least a certain period of time, depending on the teacher, leaving many students anxious for the rest of the school year.
Throughout this past year, senior Maeve Snell “prefers asynchronous classes because they allow [her] to work when it is best for [her] and take advantage of [her] schedule.”
Senior Lizzie Jones agreed, stating that “over the course of this year, [she’s] learned how to manage [her] time better, with asynchronous classes [she’s] had a much more flexible schedule and time to work on assignments.” She continues by adding, “I like that I could take a shower or go get a snack, get a break in the midst of my day without having to worry about paying too much attention to classes I had already completed the work for, it just made it easier”.
Although Snell feels that “the synchronized meets are unnecessary but in classes such as math, I think it makes sense to have synchronous lessons”.
However, moving forward, the school has decided to hold synchronous classes for all students, not only affecting those at home, but the learning experience in-person as well. Senior Ben Entner stated that he dislikes “the classes where we are fully synchronous because when I am at school, it makes it difficult to feel as though I’m getting time to talk with my teachers or get any sort of individualized attention. I think these online meets aren’t helpful when I’m at home because it’s often difficult to pay attention in class and get my work done while at home as well.”
Also affected by this sudden change are the teachers at the high school. Entner added, “I think this also makes it more difficult for teachers to focus on both students at home and at school at the same time.”
However, this may result in a more engaged classroom and a rise in academic achievement amongst students. Mrs. Michaud stated, “Keeping your camera on during synchronous classes shows that you are engaged and interested in participating in what’s happening in the course. Trying to be a part of the classroom community, whether it is in person or online, is important in the hybrid environment. As a teacher, it also helps to gauge how students are feeling when you can see their expressions.”
This year has definitely impacted students and teachers a tremendous amount, and synchronized classes will continue to do so throughout the remainder of the year. “I’m hoping for a brighter future next year, where synchronized classes will be mandatory because we’ll all be in school instead of the hybrid classes we have now,” says senior Lizzie Jones.
