Back to online learning – starting the year strong

Written by Natalie Hollins,

Parent Support Associate

A new term using Tute’s online learning platform offers a fresh chance for your children to reset, engage, and thrive. The flexibility and reach of live online lessons with qualified teachers are powerful but they also bring unique challenges. With some thoughtful planning, supportive mindset, and clear goals, you can help your young people begin the year confident, organised, and ready to learn.

Rebuilding routines for online learning

Online school still needs structure. Routines help students know what’s coming and reduce anxiety.

Consistent daily schedule: Set a regular start time for lessons, breaks, and wrap-up time. Even if classes aren’t physically in a building, keeping hours steady gives stability.

Create a dedicated learning space: A quiet, well-lit spot at home where your child can join Tute’s live sessions, with minimal distractions (turn off notifications, keep materials nearby).

Pre-session preparation: Before each Tute lesson, ensure devices are charged, logins are ready, headphones or microphone work, and any required materials (notebook, textbooks, pens) are at hand.

Built-in breaks and downtime: Online learning can be intense. Schedule short breaks between lessons or tasks to stretch, rest eyes, have snacks, or take a walk.

Evening wind-down: After lessons, have a routine for switching off school-mode: pack up, review homework, maybe a short recap of what was learned, then disconnect. Good sleep is especially important when screen time is high.

Easing anxieties about online learning

Going into live virtual classrooms can feel daunting, especially if a student is new to Tute, or returning after a break. Here’s how to gently support them:

Open conversations: Ask how they feel about online lessons, what excites them, what worries them. Sometimes the unseen worries (e.g. tech issues, being heard in a live lesson) are the ones that matter most.

Practice and technical confidence: Do trial runs with the Tute platform – log in, test audio/video, try submitting work or interacting in class. Familiarity with the system reduces nerves.

Clarity on expectations: Talk through how live lessons work, what participation looks like, how feedback is given. Being clear on what Tute teachers expect helps students know how to, “show up.”

Focus on support, not perfection: Remind children it’s okay to ask questions, make mistakes, or need help. Teachers online are still there to help in real time and remember that every student has their own pace.

Setting gentle goals for a positive start

Goal setting in an online learning environment can help students gain agency and keep motivated. But small, realistic goals work best.

Specific, achievable learning goals: e.g. “I will turn my camera on in two live lessons this week,” or “I’ll do my homework within 24hrs of the lesson,” or “I’ll ask one question per week in class.”

Organisational goals: such as keeping the online learning space tidy, having materials ready before lessons, or managing digital files (saving assignments, keeping track of logins) so nothing is last-minute.

Balance wellbeing goals: For instance, “I will take a 10-minute break after every hour of screen time,” or “I’ll go outside for at least 30 minutes after Tute lessons every day.”

Celebrate progress: Use small wins to build confidence. Did a live lesson go smoothly? Was your child more active or organised? Recognise that effort matters even when outcomes aren’t perfect.

Helping young people re-engage with learning online

After holidays (or time away), re-engaging with learning, especially virtually, can take a little extra support. Here are ways to help:

Interest-based connections: Help your child see how lesson content connects to their interests. If they love art, relate history or English topics to art themes; or if they enjoy music, find how online curriculum connects. Tute covers many subjects – making links helps engagement.

Encourage participation: Suggest they use features of the platform, chat, polls, asking questions so they feel involved, not just passive. Even small contributions build confidence.

Regular check-ins: After lessons, ask, “What went well?”, “What was confusing?”, “What would you like more support with?” This helps identify gaps early and build on strengths.

Break tasks into steps: If assignments feel overwhelming, help them chunk tasks: reading → notes → draft → review. This structure helps maintain momentum and avoids procrastination.

Use Tute’s feedback and teacher support: Make sure to take advantage of feedback from online teachers and reach out when needed. In live virtual settings, communication (asking questions, requesting help) is key.

Mindset and encouragement

More than technology or schedules, mindset plays a huge role in how students adapt and succeed.

Growth mindset: Emphasise that skills improve with effort. Challenges (technical glitches, new subjects, online participation) are opportunities to learn.

Patience and self-compassion: It’s okay for things to feel awkward at first (muted mic, Wi-Fi issues, feeling shy). With practice, students can become confident online learners.

Parental encouragement: Celebrate consistency as much as success. A simple “Well done for showing up today,” “You asked a good question,” or “You kept going even though it was tricky” – these matter hugely.

A strong start with Tute

With the right environment, supportive routines, and realistic goals, students can make the most of live online learning. Tute’s platform offers flexibility, quality teaching, and opportunities for all learners to re-engage, thrive, and build on their strengths.

Together, parents, carers and students can make this the best start yet: with confidence, readiness, and excitement for what’s ahead.