NEWS
CHS launches NovaNET to help students make up lost credits
Oct. 5, 2010 – Students looking to make up credits during the year have a new option at Cohoes High School.
The new computer program, NovaNET, is a high school online courseware system that is used by students to gain high school credit prior to graduation. Students are now using the system, which is set up in room 205 at the high school, to for "credit recovery." In other words, a student who has failed a course can work through NovaNET during study halls, to make up the credits. Not all students are eligible, however. Students will be admitted to the NovaNET Lab only by referral.
Students work individually, but have the assistance of certified teacher Bill Sheldon to help them as they need it.
"The NovaNET appeals to the students because it gives them a way to use technology to learn and they can go at their own pace," Sheldon said.
On a random Thursday, two students were seated in the lab, working quietly on two different courses.
The online material includes photos and videos, and students take notes as they go through it.
Kiersty, also a senior, said she likes using NovaNET because it's like having a teacher explain the material just to you. "You actually learn..." she said, "instead of just copying off the board."
The program was selected for use at Cohoes High School after a committee made up of teachers, curriculum coordinators, counselors and administrators reviewed three different companies and determined that NovaNET would best address the district's needs. When the classes began on Sept. 28, 21 students were enrolled to take 34 courses.
NovaNET: Frequently Asked Questions
What is NovaNET?
NovaNET is a high school online courseware system that is used by students to gain high school credit prior to graduation. Students work individually on the computers but can be assisted as needed by certified teachers. Bill Sheldon is the teacher assigned to the NovaNET Lab. The program is primarily intended for "credit recovery" but there may be special circumstances when a student will take a course through NovaNET while never having taken the "regular" course in high school. For now, it is primarily for credit recovery.
Does a NovaNET class take as long to complete as a “regular” class taught at Cohoes High School?
Typically, no. It usually takes less time to complete a NovaNET class but this is often dependent on how much time the student focuses on learning the material. And remember, most students taking NovaNET classes have already taken the "regular" course at high school and not passed.
Do students have to take notes while taking a NovaNET class?
Yes! Note taking skills are really important to have when taking any kind of class. Good note taking is essential to success in high school and college. Even businesses require employees to take notes at meetings they have.
Can students move at their own pace? What happens when a student completes a course?
Yes, students move at their own pace in whatever block of time they are assigned to NovaNET. When a student completes their course(s), they will go back to Study Hall.
Will a NovaNET credit count as "real credit"?
Yes!
Can a student just choose to take a course on NovaNET?
No, students will be "by referral only" from counselors, administrators and teachers. A committee has been established which is made up of guidance counselors, curriculum coordinators, administrators and the NovaNET teacher. When a student is referred, the committee will review past academic performance, credits earned, attendance and discipline history before enrolling that student into the NovaNET Lab.
How does a student pass a class?
Each student enrolled in a NovaNET class will first take a pre‐test
for that course. Then, depending on the results of the pre‐test,
students will see a "prescription" for what modules must be
completed. At the completion of each module, students will take a
post‐test. Eighty percent is passing for any module test. Remember,
performance on a student's pre‐test will determine which modules are
assigned to the students. So, some students may need to
complete all the modules for a course but others might only have to
complete three out of seven modules in order to get credit for the
class.
Does a student need to be reading "at grade level" in order to take a NovaNET class?
Yes, a student must be able to read at grade 9 level or higher in order to take a NovaNET class. Some students may be required to take a reading level assessment test prior to enrolling in a NovaNET class.
Will disciplinary guidelines and procedures be the same as in a traditional classroom?
Basically, yes but the specific guidelines will be the same as in any computer lab.
What supplies will a student need for a NovaNET class?
Notebook with paper (for daily notes) and pen.
Will there be homework in NovaNET?
No.
