There are many reasons to take an online course. Maybe your student wants to get ahead during the summer, avoid a teacher who is a poor fit, or gain access to a class not offered at their high school. Before jumping into an online course, however, it’s important to consider your teen’s specific situation. Here are a few questions to help you decide whether online learning might be a good fit for your teen.
Sometimes a student really must explore online learning options, while other times a student’s needs are better met by taking a class at a community college, switching to a different teacher within their school, or even working with a tutor at a learning center.
Online learning requires students to be more or less self-directed, both in terms of pacing (often the hardest part of online courses) and in terms of learning the actual course material. Make sure your student is up for this challenge, or help your student by putting some additional support systems in place.
For example, you can sit down with your student and decide on a reasonable schedule for completing the coursework, but expect to follow up regularly with your student on their progress to create an on-going sense of accountability.
A tutor can also be a great way to resource for online coursework. A tutor can help a student stay on schedule, explain the actual course material, and provide a caring relationship to anchor the learning experience.
Does your student have a distraction-free environment, a reliable computer, and good internet access to complete their coursework?
Also, does your student have time in their schedule for this course?
Even though online courses don’t usually have set hours like an in-person class, it can be a good idea for students to adopt that structure anyway.
For example, your student might create a calendar event for Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 4-5 pm that they devote to their online work. If your student can’t find a consistent time in their schedule, that may be a sign that they are too busy for an additional course at this time.
Some teens learn best with live discussions and quick teacher feedback. Others like recorded lessons they can pause and replay. There are different types of online courses, so look for one that matches the way your teen learns. (Live online classes are called “synchronous” courses, while recorded or self-paced classes are called “asynchronous” courses)
Not all online courses are created equal. Read reviews, chat with friends who have taken the same course, or seek out a recommendation from your school counselor to make sure you sign up for a high quality learning experience.
Also, if you need high school or college credit, be sure to confirm two points: First, that the provider is accredited, i.e., recognized by a US accrediting body approved by the US Department of Education, and second, that your school will accept the credit.
Your teen is motivated to study the subject in question, is capable of following a weekly plan, and has a quiet study spot.
Your teen avoids independent work or needs frequent, in the moment guidance. In these cases, start with a local class, a small in-person workshop, or a tutor to build up those study habits first.
Online Coursework Success Tips
Use two to four blocks per week, 30 to 60 minutes each, scheduled at the same time every week. Put the sessions on a family calendar to avoid conflicts.
Before each session, have your students fill a water bottle, open the required tabs, gather their notebook and any materials, and put the phone in another room.
Encourage your teen to email the instructor when something is unclear. Ironing out issues right away saves time. If replies are slow or vague, consider switching sections or providers before frustration grows.
Make sure the class does not crowd out exercise, sleep, or friendships. A balanced week keeps mood steady and helps learning stick.
At LifeWorks, we don't just prepare students for tests, we prepare them for life. If you're looking for support in helping your child develop academic confidence and life skills, contact us to learn more about our comprehensive approach to student success.
1) How many hours per week should a teen expect?
Most high school level online classes ask for three to six hours weekly, including video time and homework. Check the syllabus to be sure.
2) Is a recorded class or a live class better?
It depends on fit. Recorded classes let students pause and replay. Live classes give real time feedback and community. If your teen needs structure, start live.
3) What if my teen falls behind?
Shrink the next assignment to a 30 minute chunk, then email the instructor about a catch up plan. Consistent short sessions beat last minute rushes.
4) How do we know if a provider is legitimate?
Look for US accreditation and clear instructor bios. Ask your school counselor if the credit will transfer. If you cannot verify both, do not enroll.
5) Should online learning replace a core school class?
For some students, yes, if the provider is strong and the schedule is calm. For many, it works best as an add on, not a replacement.
6) How can parents support without taking over?
Help create a quiet study environment, check in weekly rather than daily, and celebrate small, real milestones, such as finishing a unit quiz. Even if your teen is needing some support, they’ll be more motivated if they still ultimately feel ownership of the course.
References
[1] Lifeworks Approach and Parent Resources (lifeworks.life)
[2] U.S. Department of Education, Accreditation, Postsecondary Education (ed.gov)
[3] National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, Distance Education Consumer Information in the U.S. (nc-sara.org)
[4] Common Sense Media, Distance Learning and Digital Citizenship Resources for U.S. Families (commonsensemedia.org)
[5] American Academy of Pediatrics, Media Use and Healthy Sleep for U.S. Teens (aap.org)
[6] Pew Research Center, U.S. Teens and Technology Trends (pewresearch.org)
[7] College Board BigFuture, U.S. Credit and Course Selection Guidance (bigfuture.collegeboard.org)
