Ensuring your technology meets basic standards is an important task in getting ready for an awesome and successful virtual school year. As fall semester draws closer, it’s important to ensure your tech will help support your student’s needs. Not sure where to start? In this post, we’ll dive into the essential tech requirements and a few tips to help you and your student prep for a successful online school year.
Step 1: Conduct a computer check-up
Begin by ensuring your student’s laptop, computer, or Chromebook is in good working order with the latest updates installed. If you need help, consider scheduling a tune-up with a tech professional to optimize its performance. In addition, don’t forget to check the tech requirements at your digital school. For instance, many online schools do not recommend the use of tablets due to compatibility issues. At ASU Prep Digital, we recommend computers or laptops that are less than five years old running one of the following operating systems:
- Windows 10 and newer
- Mac OS X 10.6 and newer
- Linux
- ChromeOS
Step 2: Check your internet connection
For successful virtual learning, it’s crucial to have a stable, high-speed internet connection to seamlessly support your student’s coursework. So, put your internet speed to the test and ensure it meets the required standards for online classes. Aim for a recommended internet download speed of at least 25 Mbps to help ensure your student’s participation in engaging online live lessons won’t involve any frustrating lag or disruptions.
Follow these instruction to check your internet speed:
- Using your web browser, go to Google.com
- Search for “internet speed test”
- Select the button that says Run Speed Test
For the most reliable and stable internet connection, consider the benefits of hardwiring your device. By doing so, you’ll unlock a whole new level of online learning experience that’s steady, seamless, and satisfying.
Step 3: Find the ideal pair of headphones
Equipping your student with good quality headphones is an absolute necessity for online learning. Help your student immerse themselves in a focused learning environment by choosing noise-canceling, wired headphones, and say goodbye to pesky distractions that may hinder productivity. Why wired headphones? Because there’s no need to monitor battery levels or remember to recharge them. Wired headphones ensure students can experience uninterrupted and seamless participation in their online classes.
Step 4: Optimize assistive technology
If your student requires the use of assistive tools to aid in their learning, such as screen readers or speech-to-text software, it is important to contact your online school’s technology team. They can provide valuable assistance to ensure the required tools are compatible with the system and properly set up for the student’s needs. If you’re enrolled with ASU Prep Digital and need additional information or have any questions about your student’s assistive technology needs, please feel free to email support@asuprep.org.
Step 5: Enable distraction-free technology
Does your online student struggle with staying on task? If so, consider checking out these focus-enhancing applications to help eliminate distractions.
Cold Turkey is a free software that helps students block distractions on their gadgets. It locks out websites added to the block list, making them impossible to unblock until the set time lapses.
Freedom is a powerful software designed to help students combat distractions. With Freedom, students have the ability to target specific websites or applications that distract them the most.
TimeCamp ensures your student’s study sessions stay on course. For example, students often commit to 2 hours of studying, but after just one hour, they may feel a sense of accomplishment and halt their efforts. With TimeCamp, students are encouraged to utilize time productively, encouraging the development of healthy time management skills.
These apps can help your student stay focused and eliminate any unwanted diversions. By blocking specific apps or websites to create a focused environment, students are free to concentrate on their school-related tasks and reach their full potential.
Use this summer to prepare for a successful school year
Setting your child up for a successful virtual school year starts with a thorough tech check. Take advantage of the summer break to evaluate and upgrade any necessary equipment, ensuring a seamless transition into online learning. Following these technology tips, best practices, and guidelines will help pave the way for your family’s digital schooling success.
