Must-Have Tech and Tools for Online High School Students

You’re settling into online high school diplomas for adults for the first time or coming back for another year. Either way, getting good grades in virtual classes takes some adjustment. Don’t stress! With the right mindset and tech tools, you’ve got this. We’ll explore the habits and apps that can help you stay focused, organized and on top of assignments. You’ll be acing online tests and impressing teachers in no time. Let’s dive into strategies for using technology to your advantage so you can score high marks in online high school this year.

Top Tips for Staying Organized and on Track

– Laptop or tablet – Make sure you have a reliable computer or tablet to access your online classroom, complete assignments, and join video lessons. Look for at least 4GB RAM and strong WiFi connectivity.

– Webcam – For live classes and video meetings with teachers and classmates, you’ll need a webcam. Most laptops have built-in cameras, but you can get an external one if needed. 

– Headphones – Invest in a good pair of headphones to hear lessons clearly and avoid distractions. Noise-cancelling ones are great for blocking out background noise.

– Printer – Although most work will be digital, you may need to print out some materials. An all-in-one printer with scanning abilities is useful.

– Planner – Stay organized with a planner to track assignments, due dates, and schedules. Some students like paper planners while others use digital calendars. 

– Productivity apps – Apps like Evernote for notetaking, Trello for task management, and FocusMe to block distracting websites can help you stay on track.

– Study spot – Set up a dedicated workspace with proper lighting and minimal distractions. This will help you stay focused during online classes and study sessions.

With the right technology and tools, you’ll be set up for success in your online high school courses. Stay organized, minimize distractions, and make the most of this flexible learning experience!

How to Create an Effective Online Learning Environment at Home

– **Keep up with your syllabus.** At the start of each week, look at your syllabus and make a plan for what’s due. Add assignments, quizzes, and tests to a planner or calendar so you don’t forget anything.

– **Take notes.** During live lessons or while watching prerecorded lectures, take notes to help you remember key concepts. Review your notes regularly to refresh your memory. 

– **Set reminders.** Use alarms, calendar alerts, or to-do list apps to remind you about upcoming due dates, tests, and meetings. Setting reminders reduces the chance you’ll forget an assignment.

– **Create checklists.** Break bigger projects down into smaller tasks and make checklists to stay on track. Checking items off as you complete them feels rewarding.

– **Designate a study space.** Have a dedicated work area without distractions to stay focused. Make sure you have the tech and supplies you need handy.

– **Take breaks.** Studying nonstop can drain you. Take regular breaks to recharge – step outside, stretch, snack, or chat with a friend. But don’t let breaks turn into procrastination!

– **Communicate with teachers.** If you feel overwhelmed or need help, don’t hesitate to email teachers. They want you to succeed and can suggest resources if you’re struggling.

Staying on top of your workload takes effort, but getting organized makes online high school much more manageable. Develop good habits now and you’ll be setting yourself up for success!