By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor
High school students may be pretty independent when it comes to virtual learning, but they're also tasked with learning increasingly complex material that requires focus. Ashley Morris, a former high school teacher, longtime math tutor and owner of Ashley Morris Tutors, which provides support in a variety of subjects, offers these tips for teenage virtual learners.
Start communicating
Reach out to your teachers, counselors and administrator early and often. This is especially true if you are struggling. Attend every class and tutoring session even if it's not required. Turn in all assignments complete and on time. Since your teacher isn't looking you in the eyes everyday in person, these are the only ways they will know of you are struggling.
Gather resources
Make sure you locate additional resources offered by your teacher on the first day. Outside of those resources, Khan Academy offers free online classes for most math subjects, including practice problems and video guidance. Study Island is offering free services for now as well. You can also check other school's websites as some will have more materials than others, but they all cover very similar material. A lot of Wake County Public School System schools and teachers have websites with resources. If you need help locating them, ask your teacher.
Get on a schedule
No school means it falls to parents or guardians to help keep students on track. TickTick (not to be confused with TikTok) is an app for iPhone and Android that can help you set a schedule and reminders. The worst thing you can do is "get around to it" as you will quickly find yourself far behind.
Make time for breaks
I've found that about an hour is the maximum amount of time that a middle to high school student can stay engaged without a break. Younger students should probably keep sessions to about half that time where possible.
Have a set space for school work
Much like creating a set time to do work, dedicating a physical space can really help students focus on the task at hand.
Mind your background
While we're on the topic, being at home means other people are living their lives and don't always remember that they're on camera. It's a good idea, when possible, to setup so your background as a blank wall where little if any foot traffic may occur.
Limit distractions
But things like soft music (without words is best) can be helpful when studying. Headphones can help drown out household distractions and many types of earbuds can help block out noise as well.
Rework old problems
Remember that your past worksheets, quizzes and tests are great learning tools. Use them as resources to review past material, especially if you're still struggling with last week's material while doing this week's work.
Have virtual study groups
Get together with a few of your classmates and keep each other accountable. Work on difficult material together and keep each other company. Zoom, Google hangouts, Skype, and services like Whereby all allow for free video chat between multiple participants and many allow for screen sharing so you can look at material together.
Move and have fun
You have to give your brain and body a break. Sitting down all day is rough on your body. Go for a walk, do yoga, find an at home workout you like. But, whatever you do, get moving! Relaxation, meditation or breathing videos are good for stress and anxiety. And find ways to socialize. Use the online study groups to get work done and to just "see" other people. Use the same technology to do virtual hang out with friends. Or watch the same TV show or movie while on the phone with each other. Eat a meal or drink coffee with a friend on video. Taking care of your brain and body are just as important (probably more important) than school.
Get an online tutor/private instructor if possible
Now is the time to seek out additional help if your student needs it. An online tutor can help your student by both providing structure, instruction and much needed human interaction. Teachers are going to be extremely stretched this year, even more so than usual. Having a teacher in the form of a tutor who is dedicated to just your student is an enormous advantage, especially in this trying educational environment.
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