Helping Students Choose the Right Online Course: A Counselor’s Guide

As more high school students turn to online learning, counselors are finding themselves in a new role: guiding students toward virtual courses that fit their goals, learning styles, and schedules. At AVLI, we know that choosing an online course isn’t just about what looks interesting on paper. It’s about matching the right type of course to the right student. Whether your school offers AVLI courses directly or you’re helping students explore options beyond the classroom, understanding the different course formats and expectations can make all the difference in their success.

Understand the Student’s Goal

The first question to ask is why a student wants to take an online course. Motivation often reveals what kind of learning experience will work best.

• To get ahead: Students looking to accelerate their path, like taking a Fast-Track, AP or college-level course, might thrive in AVLI’s Advanced and AP courses, which are designed for rigor and college readiness.

• To expand their learning: Some students are ready to move beyond what their school typically offers. Courses like Medical Terminology & Career Exploration, Engineering Principles, Accounting, or JavaScript Programming can help them explore real-world subjects that tie into possible college or career paths. It’s a low-risk way to test the waters before committing to a major. For instance, a student might take Accounting and realize they’d prefer Economics, or find that Bioethics sparks an unexpected interest in healthcare.

• To recover credit: If a student needs to make up a course, the flexible pacing and structured accountability of AVLI’s courses can help them get back on track without feeling overwhelmed.

Understanding the “why” helps you connect each student to a course that meets both their academic and personal goals.

Assess Time Management and Readiness

Online learning requires strong self-management skills, and counselors play a vital role in gauging student readiness. Before enrolling, encourage students to think about:

• How confident are they in managing long-term assignments and weekly deadlines?

• Do they tend to stay organized independently, or thrive with frequent check-ins?

• What other commitments like sports, part-time jobs, leadership roles might affect their availability?

Counselors know their students best. These conversations don’t need to be formal assessments, but they can help determine which course formats or timelines will best support each student’s success.

Choose Courses that Align with Goals and Future Pathways

Once students have confirmed they’re ready for online learning, the next step is choosing courses that move them closer to their academic or career goals. This is where counselors can help students think beyond general interests and toward intentional course selection.

Encourage students to:

• Strengthen foundational skills in areas tied to college prerequisites or future coursework. For example, a student interested in STEM might take an extra math or programming course to prepare for advanced study.

• Strategically fill schedule gaps, such as when a student’s in-person schedule doesn’t allow for a particular elective or required credit, an online alternative can keep them on track for graduation.

• Connect learning to real-world applications. Courses like Medical Terminology or Engineering Principles aren’t just exploratory. They help students see how classroom learning translates to practical skills and future opportunities.

Every format has its benefits, and seeing how they play out in real classrooms can help counselors make confident recommendations. Explore the AVLI Experience Highlights to hear directly from students and teachers who’ve thrived in these different learning environments.

Emphasize Support and Connection

Online learning doesn’t mean learning alone. AVLI courses are led by experienced teachers who are not just subject-matter experts but also mentors who provide regular feedback and guidance.

Counselors can play an equally vital role by staying connected with students throughout the course. A quick check-in, even just a few times during the semester helps students feel seen and supported. These touchpoints can surface small struggles before they become setbacks and reinforce that their school community is behind them, even when learning happens online.

It’s this shared sense of support from teacher and counselor that often makes the difference between simply finishing a course and truly flourishing in it.

Keep the Bigger Picture in Mind

Online courses can be more than just an academic boost. They’re an opportunity for exploration and growth. With AVLI’s catalog of both core and career-focused courses (think Intro to Veterinary Careers, Intro to Business and Entrepreneurship, or Bioethics), counselors have a chance to connect students with subjects that align with their emerging interests.

For juniors and seniors who are still unsure what they want to study in college, these courses can be invaluable. They let students “try on” a field before investing in it later, and it’s far better to discover that Accounting isn’t for them now than after a semester of college tuition. By encouraging this kind of purposeful exploration, counselors can help students not only earn credits but also gain clarity about their future.

Final Thoughts

Helping students choose the right online course isn’t about finding something easy or convenient, it’s about aligning opportunity with purpose. When counselors help students assess their readiness, clarify their goals, and choose courses that build meaningful skills, they’re setting the stage for confident learners who thrive both now and in the future.

With AVLI’s diverse catalog and the flexibility of custom coursework when needed, every student can find a path that fits their aspirations. To explore course types and see what’s available, visit our course catalog.