Log In To Latin

The+main+page+of+the+online+Latin+course+used+by+WHB+students.+

The main page of the online Latin course used by WHB students.

20% of students in America are taking some kind of online course, but unfortunately that isn’t the best solution for WHBHS’s languishing Latin program students. The learning of Latin as a foreign language relies on student-teacher interactions. According to Pros and Cons of Online Education, “by not taking a course in a traditional classroom, students miss having face time with their professors.” [2] Online courses may very well work for a rigid curriculum in a subject like science or math, but many students believe that foreign language is one of the few subjects that absolutely needs to stay rooted in the classroom setting.

“The Latin program is currently an online course,” explains Marisa Valentino, a WHB sophomore taking the class, “and learning a challenging subject such as Latin is very difficult when the instructor is not present.” Valentino and others in the Latin course claim that this new method of instruction is arduous and most students are still adjusting to the transition from face-to-face classroom to online course.

Of course, the learning is not the only part that can go wrong: the technology that the course depends on can malfunction at any time. As stated in a report by the University of Illinois, “It is not a question of if the equipment used in an online program will fail, but when.” [1]

“An online instructor,” the UOI study continues, “must be able to compensate for lack of physical presence by creating a supportive environment where all students feel comfortable participating and where students know that their instructor is accessible.” A basic framework for student-instructor communication is set up in the WHB Latin program. Valentino adds that “Although the Latin instructor isn’t able to be in the classroom with us we are encouraged to email her with any issues we are having.” However, she continues to explain, it can often be difficult for students to convey questions and concerns regarding the course and the assignments via email.

According to a University of Washington report, “Most students find face-to-face classes particularly engaging because they can talk to their professors in person and get immediate responses to their questions or concerns. Online courses may not be able to replicate the vibrant intellectual and social community fostered by in-person education.” A language course functions on the premise that there is abundant student-teacher interaction, a thing that is missing in the WHB Latin program. [3]

“Ultimately, the lack of a teacher in the classroom makes the course exceedingly difficult,” says Valentino. Senior John Tocco adds, “It will be a sad moment for WHBHS to see the Latin program perish, but what the course needs is a strong interaction and without that the program just can’t go on.”

Sources Used:

[1] Weaknesses of Online Learning

[2] Pros and Cons of Online Education

[3] Exploring the Pros and Cons of Online, Hybrid,

and Face-to-face Class Formats