10 Fast & Simple Tips for Helping Students Learn Online: A Guide for High School Guidance Counselors

Posted by Des Sinkevich on August 27, 2024

Encourage students to create and stick to a daily schedule. Just like in a traditional classroom setting, having a set time for online learning helps students develop discipline and manage their time effectively. A structured routine minimizes procrastination and helps maintain focus.

Read more: 8 Back to School Tips for Guidance Counselors

Advise students to set up a specific area in their home for studying. This space should be quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. Having a designated learning area helps students mentally separate schoolwork from home life, enhancing concentration and productivity.

Introduce students to productivity tools and apps that can aid their online learning. Tools like Google Calendar for scheduling, Evernote for notetaking, and Trello for organizing tasks can significantly enhance their efficiency and organization. This can also help them learn important time management skills that could be beneficial to them later!

Read more: The Pros and Cons of Online High School

Encourage students to engage actively in their online classes. If their online school is asynchronous, this may not mean traditional engagement – participating in live conversations, answering questions directly, etc. - but they can still actively participate in their education by taking ownership of their study schedules, their goals, and what sort of classes they take.

Remind students to take advantage of additional online resources. Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, and educational YouTube channels offer supplementary materials that can deepen their understanding of various subjects and provide alternative explanations for challenging concepts.

Help students develop self-motivation skills. Techniques like setting short-term goals, rewarding themselves for completing tasks, and maintaining a positive mindset can drive them to stay motivated and focused throughout their online learning experience.

Guide students in developing effective communication skills for online interactions. This includes writing clear and concise emails, participating respectfully in online discussions, and being proactive in seeking help when needed.

Help students find a balance between screen time and offline activities. Excessive screen time can lead to eye strain and fatigue. Encourage them to engage in physical activities, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Encourage students to periodically assess their online learning strategies. If they find certain methods aren’t working, it’s important to be flexible and adjust their approaches. Regular review ensures they are continually improving and adapting to their learning needs. For example, after taking some online classes for credit recovery, they may find that they learn better in a self-paced, online environment. If so, it’s important to help them find the right path forward to make sure they find success.

Read more: Checklist for Setting Up an Online High School Program

For students who may not find traditional, in-person classes the right fit, online high school can be a great solution. Whether they’re students who could benefit from an asynchronous learning model, such as those who may struggle with health or family concerns, or they want to be able to graduate early, an online high school like Penn Foster can help them prepare to take ownership of their education. Through Penn Foster High School, students can

• Customize their learning experience. Students, in concert with parents and guidance counselors, can determine customized study schedules and goals that fit the needs of the individual, versus the needs of the whole. This way, they take charge of their education and are more invested in the outcome.
• Learn time-management, organization, and other soft skills. Because they get to decide when and where to study, students in online programs can develop strong time-management and organization skills that can be beneficial to them in the workplace or in college.
• Choose their path. With Penn Foster, students have the opportunity to plan for their future in high school. Whether they want to enroll in college or they want to jump right into the workforce, elective options allow them to choose the path they want to take after high school – and can give them a head start on future careers.

Read more: The Benefits of Offering Career-Focused Classes in High School

Online learning can be an effective solution for students who may not be thriving in traditional school or who want to accelerate their education. Penn Foster High School, which is regionally and nationally accredited, can be a great option for school districts, parents, and students. Through our programs, students can take advantage of credit recovery options, supplement their current courses with online classes to earn more credits, or even transfer to fully online learning – all while helping improve school district graduation rates and potentially reducing dropout rates.

To learn more about how Penn Foster works, check out our case studies!

Ready to offer more learning options to your students? Reach out to our expert team today to learn more!