--- title: Top Tips for Successful Distance Learning description: Distance learning tips for students to be successful in our “New Normal.” With technology and good habits, your child can thrive in this environment. image: https://blog.gvtc.com/hubfs/Distance_Learning.jpg --- Search ![](https://blog.gvtc.com/hubfs/Distance_Learning.jpg) # Top Tips for Successful Distance Learning Published by [ Paula Novodvorschi ](https://blog.gvtc.com/author/paula-novodvorschi) on Aug 15, 2020 As a parent, you worry about your kids all the time - whether they are challenged enough in school, what they eat for dinner, etc. Which is one side of the coin. The other side is everything a parent does to prepare their kids for success (and mitigate that worry inside). This is more important than ever right now... Despite the ever-changing impact of COVID-19, we’re wired to adapt to circumstances and create normalcy where possible. A big part of that involves getting back to regularly scheduled events as safe as we can - like school. In just a few weeks, kids will start a new school year, and as a part of their “new normal,” many will opt for distance learning instead of attending in person. ![School_Workload](https://blog.gvtc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/School_Workload.jpg?width=300&name=School_Workload.jpg) To help gear your kids up for the new  school year, here are 7 top tips for successful distance learning: ## **1. Know your workload** Before attending the first day of school, make sure your child has studied the syllabus front and back to better prepare for what’s ahead. Distance learning typically means less face-time with teachers, so it’s important they take it upon themselves to mentally prepare for upcoming assignments, midterms, and projects to come. ## **2. Create a study space** Similar to when you work from home, kids need their own space to focus, too. That’s why we suggest designating a place in your home as their “study space.” This allows them a way to clock in and clock out of (home)work the same way you check out from the office each day.  ## **3. Set a study schedule - and stick to it** If you have a hard time staying accountable for work, imagine how a fifth grade boy with an Xbox 10 feet from him, and snacks on snacks in the kitchen will act when school starts. To offset the distractions, we recommend setting a schedule for distance learning to help keep your kids on track with assignments, daily lessons, studying, and projects. Simple wall calendars or phone alarms can be a game-changer when it comes to school deadlines. ## **![School_Calendar](https://blog.gvtc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/School_Calendar.jpg?width=300&name=School_Calendar.jpg)4. Ask questions and engage during lessons** It may take some time for your child to adjust to distance learning, but one thing that really seems to help is staying engaged and asking lots of questions during a video lesson. The more they interact with their teacher and peers during class time, the more likely they are to remember what they’ve learned. ## **5. Find a study group** For the social learners out there, this one is key. While people continue to practice social distancing *physically,* there’s no rule against staying in touch over phone or FaceTime. Make sure your social butterfly has a way to stay in touch with school friends and form solid study groups that will help close the learning gap from home. ![Zoom Meeting](https://blog.gvtc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Zoom%20Meeting.jpg?width=300&name=Zoom%20Meeting.jpg) ## **6. Learn the technology being used before actually having to use it** You might be thinking that Gen Y and Gen Zers have technology covered. But when it comes to distance learning for school, there’s still a bit of a learning curve even for them. Be sure to practice logging into whatever device your school supplies your child with (tablet, laptop, etc.), learn which programs they will be using on a daily basis (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.), and get their study space prepped for success. That includes headphones, a mic, a camera, and a reliable Internet connection to get them through the day. ## **7. Have a reliable Internet connection** If nothing else, we recommend securing a [reliable Internet](https://promo.gvtc.com/premiumwifi?_ga=2.179762276.1192707975.1596114870-1916778767.1591632070) to set your kids up for success this school year. You can’t partake in distance learning without it. And everyone knows there’s nothing worse than getting interrupted during work or mid-Netflix-binge because of a lost or slow Internet connection. Upgrading your Internet to a secure connection like GVTC Premium WiFi will give you the home coverage, speeds, and device connectivity you need to make everyone successful at home.   Tags: [GVTC](https://blog.gvtc.com/tag/gvtc), [GVTC Premium WiFi](https://blog.gvtc.com/tag/gvtc-premium-wifi) [Back to Blog](https://blog.gvtc.com) ## Related Articles ## [The Foundation in a Nutshell | TX Community Involvement | GVTC](https://blog.gvtc.com/gvtc-blog/2020/01/10/the-gvtc-foundation-in-a-nutshell) More than an ISP You may know GVTC as simply an internet service provider (ISP). From Fiber... [Read More ](https://blog.gvtc.com/gvtc-blog/2020/01/10/the-gvtc-foundation-in-a-nutshell) ## [Foundation Outreach Efforts Year 'Round | TX Volunteer | GVTC](https://blog.gvtc.com/gvtc-blog/2019/05/24/the-gvtc-foundation-outreach-efforts) We see acts of goodwill everywhere we go, however small or discrete they may be. Have you ever... 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