The start of the school year is quickly approaching, and our virtual learning program depends on the partnership between teachers, students, and families to ensure success. As a parent or learning coach, your involvement plays a vital role in keeping your student on track—but what exactly does that look like in a virtual environment?
In this article, we’ll share practical tools and tips to help you monitor and support your student as they learn online.
1. Talk About School—Often
The most powerful thing you can do to support your student is also the simplest: have regular conversations about school. Ask what they’re working on in class, how they feel about their assignments, and whether they’re meeting deadlines. Sit down with your student and have them log into their course platform (like Schoology) and show you their grades and recent assignments.
Even better, create your own Schoology Parent Account using the parent access code found in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. This allows you to view your student’s progress and grades directly from your phone or computer.
Having this access is a game-changer—it allows you to monitor assignments, follow up on incomplete work, and identify any issues before they become serious problems.
2. Plan the Week Together
Another key to success is helping your student build a weekly plan. At the start of each week (or over the weekend), sit down together and map out when and how they’ll complete their coursework.
This type of planning is a skill many students are still developing. Unlike traditional school, where teachers often set the pace, virtual learning requires students to manage their time more independently. Tools like calendar blocking can help students visualize how to divide up their workload across the week.
We’ve created a helpful video on how to use calendar blocking effectively—check out the link below to get started.
3. Create a Distraction-Free Workspace
One of the most overlooked challenges in virtual learning is the environment. Home is full of distractions—from phones and gaming systems to TVs and noisy siblings.
Help your student set up a dedicated workspace that’s clean, organized, and free from distractions. Think of it like a “learning zone” in your home. Just as adults go to the gym to focus on exercise, students need a space where their brain knows it’s time to learn.
It can also be helpful to establish family guidelines for screen use during school hours. Consider creating a written agreement that outlines what virtual learning looks like in your home—including expectations around phones, video games, and other distractions. Your student may push back at first, but clear structure often leads to stronger focus and better results.
4. Support Tech Troubleshooting and Communication
When students run into technical issues—or feel overwhelmed by a difficult assignment—they often need help knowing what to do next. That’s where you come in.
Whether it’s helping them troubleshoot a device problem or guiding them in writing an email to their teacher, your support can build their confidence and keep them moving forward. We’ve put together a Virtual Learning Troubleshooting Guide that outlines common tech issues and how to get help quickly. We recommend printing it out and keeping it near your student's workspace for easy reference. (Link provided below.)
Final Thoughts
As a parent or learning coach, you don’t need to be an expert in every subject—but your involvement matters more than you might think. By checking in regularly, helping your student plan their week, creating a focused learning space, and being ready to support or seek help when needed, you’re laying the foundation for your student's success.
If you ever have questions about course content, pacing, or how to support your student more effectively, don’t hesitate to reach out to their teacher. We’re here to help.
Let’s make it a great year—together.
Resources Mentioned: