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A new idea that is sweeping classrooms everywhere in BAHS is the thought of online assignments. Teachers will now use online websites, such as Discovery Ed, in order to make assignments that are completely online, done outside of school, and turned in through the web or via email.

Over the summer, B-A parents responded to a survey regarding technology in the district. One thing that came from it is most families have the ability to access technology a home and feel as though it would be beneficial to have online assignments.

Ms. Jamie Forshey spearheaded the online assignment initiative and was accompanied by Mr. Kerry Naylor and Mr. Matthew McNaul from the high school; Ms. Marie Enedy in the middle school; and Mrs. Kyley Longo and Mrs. Tara Naylor in Myers Elementary school. The group helped explain online assignment opportunities to the faculty, and since then all teachers have been required to use it in one of their classrooms each marking period.

Some staff members see it as another tool to add to students’ educational experience.

“The use of online assignments is in its infancy here at the high school,” said Principal Mr. Rick Schreier. “Students today utilize technology resources on a regular basis.  Our belief is that we should tap into these digital resources and find new methods to engage our students.”

Student teacher Ms. Morgan Pecile is very familiar with online assignments. She says that almost all of her assignments at Penn State are online.

“I bring my laptop to every classroom,” she said. “You don’t get nearly as much paperwork in college as you do get in high school, so it’s a nice idea to get online assignments now so you aren’t culture shocked once you enter college.”

On the other hand, some teachers find it hard to fit in online assignments.

Mrs. Frank has mixed feelings about online assignments.

“I do believe that they have their place. However, I don’t think that they fit into every curriculum in a meaningful way,” she said.