You won’t need your usual list of school supplies to prepare for an online class. You won’t need a backpack full of 3-ringed binders, paper notebooks, pencils, pens or highlighters to participate in the lesson plans. So, what supplies will you need?

A Computer

You won’t be able to attend online school without access to a computer. The computer should be in good condition. It will need to support the demands of the virtual high school’s online portal without delay. If your computer is a little sluggish, you should try to speed up your computer’s performance.

How can you speed up your computer’s performance?

• Run software updates
• Update your web browsers
• Uninstall unnecessary apps
• Delete unnecessary files from storage
• Run a malware scan to detect any viruses

If the performance hasn’t shown much improvement after these steps, you could always get a better device for your schooling.

Internet Access

You will need access to a strong internet connection to attend your online classes. How strong should it be? This specific online school recommends that its students have a minimum internet speed of 15 Mbps in order to participate. This speed allows students to watch lesson videos, stream audio files and upload/download documents without trouble.

How can you tell what your internet’s speed is? You can run a speed test to determine whether the rate is at least 15 Mbps.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Block out distracting noises around you with the help of noise-cancelling headphones. This will be especially helpful when you’re not doing your schoolwork at home. When you’re trying to tackle your lessons in a crowded coffee shop or library, you can use your headphones to put everyone around you on mute.

Time Management Apps

Students that struggle with focus should also download time management apps to keep track of their online class schedule and organize their study sessions. These are just some examples of apps that could come in handy:

• Calendar
• Todoist
• Remember the Milk
• Brain Focus Productivity Timer
• Coach.me
• Forest
• Pomodor

Website Blockers

You might find that your mind wanders from your studies when you’re on the computer. One minute, you’re following the lesson plan, and the next, you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed or watching funny videos on YouTube.

You can stop yourself from accessing these distracting websites by downloading a website-blocking app/extension on your computer (along with any other device you plan to use for your online learning). Temporarily block yourself from getting to these websites so that you can concentrate on your schoolwork.

A Printer

You may want to have access to a printer so that you can have paper copies of digital documents. You should also have a supply of printer ink and paper.

If you don’t have access to a printer at home, you could try to print copies at your neighbourhood public library or professional printing shop.

A Scanner

You may also need a functioning scanner. With a scanner, you can send digital versions of your paper documents to your teachers. Most modern printers come with built-in scanners. If you don’t have access to this type of printer (or any printer whatsoever), you can purchase a portable scanner online or through an office supply store. A portable scanner is compact, convenient and more budget-friendly than purchasing an entire printer set-up.

All of these supplies will come in handy in an online school. Get them and get ready for class!