4 Back-to School Tips For First-Time Online Learners

As the school year begins, many students are gearing up to take their first-ever online course. At VHS Learning, we are excited to welcome these online learners into our virtual classrooms, where they will learn from qualified and engaging educators alongside a diverse global community of peers.

Online courses offer an exciting opportunity for learners to cultivate their curiosity and pursue their educational goals through a wide range of specialized courses. With the right curriculum, teachers, and supports in place, students can have a successful and enjoyable online learning experience.

As you prepare for your first online course, here are four helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of the online learning experience:

1. Connect with your site coordinator

If you are taking a VHS Learning course through your school, you will have a local site coordinator who will provide you with support throughout your online course. Your site coordinator may be a counselor, teacher, librarian, or other staff member at your school, and their job is to advocate for students, coordinate online course registration, and monitor student progress.

As a first-time online learner, it’s important to reach out to your site coordinator to learn more about how online courses are conducted at your school. Some schools have dedicated online learning classrooms, while other schools give students flexibility to independently complete their coursework in various study zones, the media center, or outside of school on your own time.

Furthermore, your site coordinator can help you access any accommodations or school-provided technology you need. By connecting with your site coordinator early, you can get all of your questions answered to set you up for success in your online course this semester.

2. Create a dedicated study space at home

Creating a functional learning space at home can help you stay organized and focused, ensuring you are able to complete your assignments effectively and on time. If possible, we recommend that online learners set up a dedicated space in their home that is used exclusively for studying and working. By doing so, you can be sure all of your learning materials are always within reach.

Furthermore, it’s important to cultivate a learning space with furniture and support items that make you feel more comfortable. If possible, bring essentials like water and snacks to your study space so you’re not constantly getting up to get what you need. Home learning spaces that are comfortable and lack distractions make it easier to sustain focus during long study periods.

3. Organize your technology and accessories

For online courses with VHS Learning, all you need is a personal device with internet access. However, there are a few extra tech accessories that can enhance your online learning experience.

For listening to lectures, making video calls with your instructor, and watching videos, it can be helpful to have a set of headphones that can connect to your personal device. Using headphones helps you stay focused on the learning content without distractions, plus it keeps your coursework from becoming a distraction to others around you.

It can also be beneficial to get a mouse and/or a keyboard, depending on your preferences and what type of personal device you use. These tools can help you work more efficiently and comfortably.

No matter what technology and accessories you decide to use for your online learning course, taking the time to gather these tools and their chargers in an organized place will make it easier to efficiently login to your online course each day and complete your assignments.

4. Develop a routine

In your first online course, it’s important to prepare ahead for this new learning approach by developing a routine to help you stay on track with the coursework. Everyone’s online learning experience is different, and it can be a challenge for some to adjust to the unique independence and flexibility of online courses.

Begin the semester by looking over the course syllabus to identify assignment due dates, testing days, and general course requirements. Knowing what the course expectations are can help you plan your study routine effectively and avoid the last-minute rush to complete an assignment.

If you are struggling to maintain a routine during the semester, you can always reach out to your VHS Learning teacher or site coordinator. Teachers also often hold office hours, during which time you can meet to discuss how to find a routine that is functional for you.

Online learning is a flexible and engaging way to meet your course requirements and take courses that pique your interests. While online courses are different from traditional in-person courses and present a different set of challenges, these tips can help you find success––even as a first-timer. At VHS Learning, it’s our goal to create enjoyable and inspiring virtual learning experiences, and we hope that you love your first course so much that you join us for another in the future!