Starting the New Online School Year off Strong
The start of a new school year is an exciting time for students, but it can be overwhelming. Especially with the changes this year in transitioning to online learning, there are many factors that need to come into play for success.
Taking the right steps to ensure success from day one can make all the difference between having just an okay school year and an outstanding experience.
In this blog post, we’ll look at ways you can set yourself up for success—all while ensuring you’re also looking after your health and well-being—as you kick off this unique virtual school year!
Top 10 Ways to Start the New Online High School Year Off Strong
In order to have a successful and enjoyable school year, it’s important to plan ahead. Here are 10 tips for setting yourself up for success from day one in the online classroom:
1. Get organized
The key to starting off on the right foot is having an organized system for all of your school work—from keeping track of homework assignments to taking notes in class. To make this easy, try creating a digital filing system that you can easily access from any device.
You can set up folders by subject and have them labeled based on assignment type (for example: “English – Essays” or “Math – Quizzes). This will help keep everything in one place and allow you to find what you need when you need it quickly.
Additionally, if your school has a learning management system like Moodle or Blackboard, take advantage of that platform as well! Many schools are using these systems to store assignments, notes, and more.
2. Develop a Study Plan
It’s important to make sure you are managing your time wisely when it comes to studying for online classes. To do this, sit down at the beginning of each week and map out what needs to be done for every class. This can include assignment deadlines, tests or quizzes that need to be taken, project due dates, etc.
Once you have an overview of what needs to be done that week, break each task into smaller chunks and assign yourself a timeline to complete them in order to stay on track with your studies.
It is also important to schedule breaks throughout the day as well—just like you would if you were attending school in person.
3. Take Advantage of Available Resources
With online learning, there are a multitude of resources you can take advantage of that may not be available in the traditional classroom setting. For example, many schools now offer tutoring services that you can access from home via video chat or other similar platforms.
You could also look into taking an online course offered within your school’s platform or through third-party providers in your new online school year .
Finally, don’t forget to leverage the power of social media! Follow relevant accounts on Instagram and Twitter, where they post study tips and additional content related to your field of study.
4. Create a Designated Learning Space
Having a dedicated workspace with minimal distractions is essential for staying focused and motivated. Find a spot in your home where you know you won’t be interrupted by family members or roommates.
If possible, try to set up a desk of some kind as well – this will allow for easier typing and writing assignments. You can also get creative with the space and make it your own!
Add pictures, plants, artwork, or anything else that will help motivate you and make you feel comfortable while studying. This way, when you sit down in that space each day, it will help trigger the feeling of being in a school environment.
5. Stay Connected to Your Classmates and Teachers
It can be easy to feel disconnected from your peers and teachers during online learning, but there are ways to stay connected with them even if you’re not physically present. For starters, use the chat or discussion threads available within your virtual classroom platform to connect with classmates about assignments or discuss topics related to the class.
Additionally, create a group chat for yourself and some friends so that you can check in with one another during the week and share any helpful tips or resources.
Finally, don’t forget to reach out directly to your teachers! You can send them an email or video chat during office hours to ask questions about assignments or catch up. This can help you feel more connected to the class and make your online learning experience more enjoyable.
6. Stay Healthy
It’s easy to fall into an unhealthy routine when studying online—skipping meals, not getting enough sleep, etc.—but it’s important to remember that taking care of your health is just as important as focusing on schoolwork.
Be sure to take breaks throughout the day, get enough sleep at night, and try to eat healthy meals. You can also incorporate physical activity into your routine by going for a walk or doing some at-home exercises in between studying sessions.
Also, don’t forget to prioritize self-care as well! Take time each week to do something that makes you happy, whether reading a book, listening to music, or taking a hot bath. This will help keep your stress levels down and make your overall online learning experience more enjoyable.
7. Join or Create a Study Group
One of the best ways to stay on track with online learning is to join or create a study group. With a study group, you’ll be able to bounce ideas off each other and discuss any topics you may struggle to understand.
Plus, it’s always helpful to have someone else in the same boat as you—it can make the material more manageable and even make studying more enjoyable. You can find an existing study group through your school or try creating one yourself by reaching out to classmates who are also studying online.
8. Set Goals
Staying motivated and on track while learning virtually can be difficult, so setting goals for yourself throughout the semester is important. These could be daily, weekly, or semester-long goals—whatever works best for you.
When setting goals, make sure they’re specific and achievable. For example, if you want to get better grades this semester than last, try breaking that goal into smaller chunks, such as completing all assignments on time or studying for 2 hours each day.
This way, when you accomplish your small goals, it will help motivate you to keep going towards the bigger goal of improved grades. Additionally, don’t forget to reward yourself when you achieve a goal!
9. Find a Mentor or Role Model
Finding a mentor or role model is an important tip to starting a new online school year . Having someone to look up to and emulate for their successes can be extremely beneficial in achieving your own goals.
A mentor or role model can provide guidance, support, and advice to help you stay on track with your studies. They can also offer valuable insights into online learning that you may not have considered before.
When looking for a mentor or role model, finding someone who aligns with your goals and values is important. Reach out to people in your network—friends, family, teachers, coworkers—to see if anyone might be willing to serve as a mentor. You could also search online forums and social media for mentors who specialize in the area you’re interested in.
Once you’ve found a mentor or role model, it’s important to set up regular check-ins with them and give them honest feedback about your progress. You should also take advantage of their knowledge and experience by asking questions—they may have gone through similar experiences that can help you succeed.
Finally, don’t forget to show gratitude for their help; letting them know their guidance is appreciated will make them more likely to continue investing their time in you.
10. Stay Connected
Finally, staying connected with other students, teachers, and classmates is important while learning online. This can help prevent feelings of isolation that often accompany remote learning. Try joining virtual discussion groups or forums related to the material you are studying—sharing ideas with others can be a great way to keep engaged.
Additionally, reach out to people directly via email or text if there is anyone you would like to discuss specific topics with further. You can also participate in virtual game nights and other activities with your classmates to build relationships.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talk to your teachers or advisors about any issues you may have, and they can provide resources and assistance.
Additionally, many schools offer student counseling services that can help you cope with the unique challenges of remote learning. Take advantage of these services if necessary—there is no shame in asking for help!
Final Thoughts
The new online school year is a time of fresh starts and opportunities. It’s also a time when you can set the tone for the rest of the year. Make sure to start off on the right foot by following these tips to help your online high school classes get off to a strong start.
High School of America can help students achieve their academic goals by providing an online high school education that fits around their busy schedules.
Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you start the school year off strong!
