In an effort to enhance the online learning experience for students, Weedsport High School, in collaboration with the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES e-Learning Academy, recently held a student panel discussion featuring participants from their new virtual physics course.
The panel provided a unique platform for students to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and propose improvements for the online program. According to Weedsport Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Melinda Ervay, the district is committed to building a robust online program that is both rigorous and engaging.
“Because Weedsport is a small district, and staff is limited, we are always looking for ways to improve access to our students regarding instructional programming. Online physics is one example of that since we currently do not have a certified teacher on staff, yet want to offer the class to our students,” she said. “In addition, it will help build capacity for students who will likely experience some type of online instruction throughout their lifetime.”
During the summer, Weedsport High School needed a teacher for the physics course and reached out to the e-Learning Academy to see if an online opportunity could be utilized. The e-Learning Academy was then able to secure a teacher for the position, and the online program was officially created.
The panel included a mix of student representatives, district staff, and members of the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES e-Learning Academy. Together, they engaged in an open dialogue about the benefits and challenges of online coursework.
Students had the opportunity to provide firsthand insights into how the virtual physics class has been structured, what aspects are working well, and where adjustments could make the program even more effective for current and future learners.
Ervay, who facilitated the discussion, said there were two main reasons for the panel discussion. The first reason was to work with the current students of the program to help them successfully navigate the rest of school year, while the second reason was to help the program grow and be successful for future students.
“I think it went really well. I thought the students we’re very honest and forthright,” said Ervay. “We wanted the students to have an opportunity to take a physics class. But we know there have been some questions from students about the class, so we wanted to bring them in and discuss further.”
Kati Hinman, Lead e-Learning Specialist at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, echoed those thoughts.
“I think it’s so important to hear this feedback from the students who are experiencing it,” she said. “We can always look from the outside and say what we think it could be or should be. But it’s hard to know what the students are feeling or experiencing without asking them.”
Senior Marlie Chapman said she really appreciated the district including the students as a part of the discussion and noted that she has a positive outlook for online learning moving forward.
“It means a lot. I felt valued and important in today’s discussion. I was able to talk to adults about the class and it just made me feel very valued. It will definitely open me up to talking to them in the future as well,” she said. “I want to be a teacher someday, so I do think that in-person learning is very important. But I also think that the world is evolving and growing, so it’s important to use online learning as well. It helps prepare us for the future.”