Making Decisions about Our Child’s Education

Taking high school online can be a big adjustment when you are used to in-person classes. Online high school can provide you with a higher degree of flexibility and more control over your education. The key to succeeding with online schooling is setting up the right environment for success.

1. Establish a Study Space

First, you need to establish a study space in your home. You don't have to dedicate an entire room as a study space; that is unrealistic for most people. You just need an area in a room that is your study space. You are going to want to make a small space in your school zone.

Your school zone is where you will do your work when you need to concentrate, such as when you are engaging in a class or working on homework. Having a designated spot to do your work can help it feel like you are checking into school and can help separate your regular at-home activities from schoolwork.

2. Invest in the Right Equipment

Second, you need to have the right equipment for online high school to work right for you. You are going to want to have headphones that allow you to listen to your classes. If there are other people at home with you throughout the day, you may want noise-canceling headphones so you can really focus on your work.

For your online classes, you will want to use an earbud with a microphone or a headset so that when it is your turn to participate, your voice is clear.

Additionally, you will need a tablet or laptop to get your work done with. Even though your class is online, it can still be useful to have a pencil and paper accessible to write down notes and solve problems.

You may also want to invest in a comfortable chair for sitting in for long periods.

3. Schedule Breaks

You are not going to be able to sit still and do all your work all at once. That is why you will want to establish a schedule that includes breaks, just like you would get to take if you were attending class in person.

Give yourself breaks between classes where you get up, stretch, walk outside, grab a snack, and go to the bathroom. You can even set up a timer to know how long you have to work and how long you have for your breaks to help you stay on your schedule.

Breaks will make it easier for you to concentrate on your work and get things done. Getting up and walking around, or even going outside, will help ease the stress on your body as well.

If you want to succeed with online school, you will want to set up a designated work area in your home, invest in the right equipment, and establish a schedule with breaks to maintain your focus. The key to succeeding with an online school is setting up the right environment.

To learn more, contact a resource that offers online high school options.