As online testing started last week, a first for many students, the school is learning to adjust to technology glitches, distractions and a revolving schedule.

“I really don’t like the online test,” sophomore Kelly Etherton said. “You could leave once you finished [the test], so there was constantly kids getting up and down.”

According to Etherton, not only did students distract her, but testing administrators also diverted her focus.

“They were always walking in and out of the room and talking to each other,” Etherton said.

In addition to distractions, testers also faced a transition to computer-based testing.

“Having math on the computer presents a new problem because you couldn’t write on diagrams, so you either had to visualize it or rewrite everything,” Etherton said.

While Etherton found the changes frustrating, sophomore Sierra Conda said they made the testing process easier.

“It’s nice not having to write down anything,” she said. “But I hate staring at the computer screen for hours.”

English teacher Jeanie Griffin voiced similar concern after hearing from her students.

“Some students said the screens bothered them and they couldn’t focus, so they got distracted,” Griffin said.

However, computer testing will not go away just because of some early glitches.

“It is the way of the future, so students need to learn and be comfortable with it,” Griffin said.

As for the unusual schedule including silent bells, classroom changes, and overcrowded lunches, the agenda will last through the rest of the year.

“I don’t mind the crazy schedule,” Etherton said. “It spices up my day.”

By Valerie Ferretti