5 Online Learning Tips for High School Students

Taking an online course in high school is a great way to discover new subjects, explore potential careers, pursue personal interests, and build foundational knowledge for college and beyond. Whether you’re taking an AP® course to earn college credit or diving into a unique elective, VHS Learning offers a catalog of courses–paired with an engaging and rewarding online learning experience for high school students.

However, to succeed in an online course, students need to take a different approach than they would in their in-person classes. When it comes to the schedule and course structure, online learning is more flexible than your typical high school class––but this also means you’ll need to be more independent and take ownership of your learning.

Here are five tips to help you succeed in your VHS Learning course this school year:

1. Set up a Functional Study Space

Whether you complete your online coursework at home or at school, it’s important your learning environment is set up to accommodate virtual learning. Although you’ll work independently in your online class, think of your study space as your personal classroom. Your learning space doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should feel like a place where you can be productive. It’s essential to create an environment that is quiet and free from distractions, and you should have easy access to any learning materials you’ll need to complete your coursework.

For online learning, your digital setup and organization is key to creating a functional study space. Be sure to charge your laptop or other personal device before you log in to your course, and if possible, choose a learning environment where you can plug it in when needed. Additionally, it can be helpful to organize your digital files and resources, bookmarking any important links and saving your teacher’s email to your contacts.

2. Create a Consistent Online Learning Schedule

One of the biggest differences between in-person and online learning is the scheduling flexibility, but this can also be one of the biggest challenges for first-time online learners. While your online teacher will set deadlines that can help you pace your coursework, you’re responsible for creating and maintaining your weekly online learning schedule.

Block out time on your calendar each week to log in, review materials, and complete assignments––just like you would for your in-person classes and homework. Set calendar reminders, use reminder apps, or block out time in your planner to ensure you’re always meeting your course deadlines. Avoid leaving assignments until the last minute, especially if you play sports, have a job, or are involved in other extracurricular activities. Planning ahead will help you balance your workload and keep you from falling behind.

3. Stay Focused, But Maintain Balance

In order to be successful in your online course, you’ll need to stay focused and organized. Make it a habit to log in regularly, check for updates, and create a practical system to organize your digital assignments. It’s important to stay connected and engage fully with your online learning modules, but you also should consider ways to limit your screen time. Balancing focused work with short, intentional breaks can help you stay engaged and motivated, making your study time more effective.

Try using a strategy like the Pomodoro Method, which breaks work into intervals of 25 minutes of focused study separated by short 5-minute breaks. Alternatively, you can set recurring timers to remind yourself to stretch, hydrate, and give your eyes a rest. Technology is at the center of online learning, so it’s important to create a system that helps you maintain balance and avoid burnout.

4. Practice Self-Motivation and Reflection

Online learning requires students to manage their own progress, so it’s important to find ways to stay motivated throughout your course. Remind yourself why you signed up for the course—maybe you’re exploring a subject you love, getting ahead for college, or just trying something new. Celebrate small wins, like completing a challenging assignment or staying on top of your schedule for the week.

Along the way, you may find that you need to adjust your habits to be successful in your online course. Whether your study space is too distracting or you’re struggling to create a consistent schedule, reflecting on your progress can help you determine what needs to change. Being flexible and willing to try new strategies will help you persevere in your course.

5. Connect with Your Teachers and Classmates

Although you’ll complete your coursework independently, you’re never truly on your own. Your teacher and VHS Learning site coordinator are always just a message away. Communication is the key to a successful online learning experience, and your teachers are there to support you.

If you ever have questions about the course content, reach out to your teacher or attend their office hours for clarification. If you’re struggling to manage your time, talk to your school’s site coordinator for support and guidance.

Moreover, make it a point to contribute thoughtfully in discussions and connect with your peers during group projects––your classmates will enhance your online learning experience. Students who engage more deeply often find their courses more rewarding and gain skills in communication and collaboration that are beneficial for college and future careers.

Online learning can be both exciting and challenging, but the right strategies can help you thrive in your VHS Learning course. The key to success is developing consistent routines and habits that keep you focused, motivated, and engaged.