Top 5 Tools and Apps for Success in Online High School
Success in online education isn’t just about logging in – it’s about having the right tools. Whether you’re attending an online school in Ontario or anywhere else, using the best technology can make a world of difference in your learning experience. In this post, we’ll explore the 5 top tools for online high school students that Canadian Virtual School (CVS) uses to simplify virtual learning. These platforms and apps are chosen for their ease of use, effectiveness, and ability to keep students engaged. By the end, you’ll see how CVS’s streamlined approach to technology helps you focus on learning – not struggling with software – and how it stacks up against what other schools offer.
Top Tools for Online High School: Why the Right Tools Matter for Online Learning Success
Online high school comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Without a physical classroom, virtual school tools become your classroom – they’re how you access lessons, complete labs, collaborate on projects, and organize your work. Many Ontario-based virtual schools (e.g., some well-known online high schools) emphasize flexible schedules and accredited courses, but surprisingly few talk in depth about the specific apps or platforms that make learning effective. After reviewing content from several Ontario online schools, we noticed a gap: while terms like “OSSD credits” and “flexible learning” appear frequently, phrases such as “online high school apps” or “best tools for online learning” are underused across competitor sites. This is an SEO opportunity and, more importantly, an information gap – one that CVS is eager to fill.
At Canadian Virtual School, we believe technology should empower you, not overwhelm you. Our approach to Ontario virtual learning has always been to hand-pick reliable, student-friendly tools. In fact, CVS provides access to 500+ interactive labs and simulations as part of our courses (thanks to partnerships with cutting-edge platforms).
By focusing on a handful of proven platforms, we ensure that you don’t need to master dozens of new apps at once. The result? A simplified tech setup that lets you concentrate on learning and achieving your academic goals.
Below, we highlight the five major platforms and apps that form the backbone of the CVS online high school experience: Gizmos, PhET Interactive Labs, the Microsoft Office suite, Moodle LMS, and Graphmatica. We’ll discuss why each tool is important, how it’s used in our courses, and how it contributes to student success. (Bonus: We’ll also address common questions students ask – check out the FAQ section for quick answers on online school tools.)
1. Gizmos – Interactive STEM Simulations for Science & Math
Gizmos by ExploreLearning is among the most exciting tools in online high school education. Gizmos are virtual labs and simulations for math and science, covering topics from balancing chemical equations to exploring gravity in space. It features over 550 interactive STEM simulations aligned with curriculum standards.
Gizmos give students a hands-on way to learn complex concepts. Instead of just reading about a science experiment, you can perform it virtually – mixing chemicals, growing plants under different conditions, or graphing algebraic functions, all on your screen.
How CVS Uses Gizmos: At Canadian Virtual School, Gizmos are integrated into many science and math courses to enrich your learning. For example, in our Grade 12 Chemistry course (SCH4U), you’ll encounter Gizmo labs that simulate real experiments in a safe online environment (no Bunsen burners needed!). These simulations are not only fun but also boost understanding and retention. Educational research shows that interactive simulations encourage critical thinking and let you learn by doing in a risk-free setting.
You can repeat labs as often as needed – a big advantage for mastering tough topics. One Ontario online school principal noted that with Gizmos, students don’t need to worry about making mistakes or running out of time during an experiment, leading to greater confidence and engagement.
Why it Matters: Gizmos help bridge the gap between theory and practice. If you’re a visual or kinesthetic learner, these virtual labs make abstract ideas tangible. They also align with Ontario’s curriculum expectations, so you’re practicing exactly what you need for assessments. Many online high school students find that Gizmos keep them motivated – it’s more engaging to see chemistry or physics in action than to only read about it. By using Gizmos, CVS ensures that online school in Ontario can be just as immersive as a physical classroom lab, if not more so.
SEO Insight: Interestingly, while Canadian Virtual School and some others have also embraced Gizmos in their courses, content focusing on “interactive lab tools” is still relatively scarce on competitor sites. By highlighting Gizmos, we’re tapping into an underused keyword area (for example, families searching for “virtual labs in high school”) and demonstrating how CVS leads in innovative teaching tools.
2. PhET Interactive Simulations – Virtual Labs from PhET Colorado
Another star player in online science labs is PhET Interactive Simulations. PhET, developed by the University of Colorado Boulder, provides free online simulations for physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and math. This platform offers over 150 simulations, covering everything from projectile motion to molecule shapes.
PhET sims are designed to be intuitive. You can click and drag to see how forces affect motion or adjust parameters to see real-time changes in an electric circuit. They’re used worldwide to make science concepts accessible and fun.
How CVS Uses PhET: Canadian Virtual School incorporates PhET simulations, particularly in physics and chemistry courses. If you’re taking our online Physics course, you might use a PhET sim to explore electric and magnetic fields or to simulate an experiment like measuring gravity on different planets. In Chemistry, PhET’s Balancing Chemical Equations sim lets you practice until you get that smiley face indicating the equation is balanced correctly – a great complement to Gizmos and traditional problem sets. These tools allow you to perform virtual experiments anytime without needing lab equipment. They’re especially handy for concepts where visualization helps; for instance, seeing gas molecules bounce around in a container (in a PhET Gas Laws simulation) can make gas laws far clearer than reading a description.
Why it Matters: PhET simulations bring a “learn by exploration” approach. You’re not just reading or listening; you’re actively manipulating variables and observing outcomes. This active learning can deepen your understanding and improve retention. Plus, PhET is free and browser-based, meaning you can access the sims easily (no complicated software installation). CVS leverages PhET to ensure that our students have plenty of opportunities for discovery. Even if other online schools mention having virtual labs, not all highlight specific tools like PhET – which is why many students and parents searching for “online high school labs” or “Ontario virtual learning simulations” discover CVS’s focus on these resources. It’s an example of filling an information gap while offering a tangible learning benefit.
3. Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) – Productivity Essentials
Not every tool for online high school is about simulations or labs. A big part of your success is being able to complete assignments and projects and communicate effectively. That’s where the Microsoft Office suite comes in – namely Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. These applications are classic for a reason: they provide robust, familiar platforms to write essays, create presentations, and analyze data. In an online school setting, you’ll likely use Word to write reports, PowerPoint to make slideshow presentations for class projects, and Excel for organizing data or doing math in courses like Data Management.
How CVS Uses Microsoft Office: Canadian Virtual School encourages students to use Office apps because they are widely used in both academia and the workplace. Our course assignments are often designed with these formats in mind – for example, an English essay submitted as a Word document or a business class project presented via PowerPoint slides. If you don’t already have Office, don’t worry: Ontario students can often access Microsoft 365 Education for free through school programs, or you can use free alternatives that are compatible (like Google Docs, which can be exported to Word format). The key is that Office tools are user-friendly and standard – there’s no steep learning curve if you’ve used them in school before. And if you haven’t, learning them is a valuable digital skill in itself. (Pro tip: CVS’s Student Success & Guidance resources can help you get started with these apps so you feel confident using them for coursework.)
Why it Matters: In surveys of online schools, we found that not many competitors talk about specific productivity tools in their content – it’s assumed students will figure it out. At CVS, we prefer to be explicit and set you up for success. By using Microsoft Office, you ensure compatibility (your teacher can open your files easily), and you gain experience with software that universities and employers expect people to know. There are over 100 million students and professionals using Office 365 monthly, which speaks to its importance. From an SEO standpoint, including terms like “Microsoft Office for online learning” or “best tools for online learning” can attract readers who are specifically looking for advice on what apps they need for virtual school. But more importantly, from a student standpoint, mastering Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will make your online high school life smoother – and your post-secondary life too.
4. Moodle LMS – Your Virtual Classroom Hub
Example of a Moodle LMS course dashboard (illustrative). Moodle organizes all your lessons, quizzes, and discussions in one convenient place, acting as your virtual classroom.
Every online school needs a home base, a platform where classes actually take place. For CVS, this is the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS). Moodle is an open-source LMS used by schools and universities worldwide to deliver courses online. Think of Moodle as your digital school building: when you log in, you can see your courses, access lecture notes or videos, submit assignments, take quizzes, and interact on discussion forums. It’s all organized by course and unit, so it’s easy to navigate. Moodle keeps track of your grades and progress, too.
How CVS Uses Moodle: At Canadian Virtual School, once you enroll in a course, you’ll get a Moodle account (if you don’t have one already) and access to our Moodle dashboard. Each course (e.g., ENG4U or MCR3U) appears as a module on your dashboard. Click in, and you’ll find everything you need week by week. We’ve customized our Moodle to be student-friendly – no unnecessary clutter, just clear labels for Lessons, Assignments, Quizzes, Resources, etc. Need to watch a video lesson or download a PDF? Moodle handles that. Ready to submit your assignment? Upload it on Moodle. Have a question for your teacher? Post it in the course forum or send a message through Moodle. It’s all in one place, which simplifies your tech experience. You’re not juggling emails, Google Classrooms, and random websites; one login gets you into all your classes.
Why it Matters: A reliable LMS is the backbone of any online school. We highlight Moodle because it’s proven and trusted – and frankly, it just works. Many Ontario online schools use some form of LMS (for example, Ontario’s public e-learning uses Brightspace by D2L, while some private schools use Canvas or Moodle). However, when prospective students research “online school Ontario platform”, they might not find much detail on competitor sites about how learning is delivered. By naming and explaining Moodle, we target the “Ontario virtual learning platform” keyword niche and reassure readers that CVS has a robust, easy-to-use system. From a student perspective, Moodle’s importance is huge: it’s your 24/7 classroom. The ease of having an organized LMS means you spend less time hunting for materials and more time learning. Plus, Moodle’s mobile app and notifications help you stay on top of deadlines. CVS aims to make online high school as seamless as possible, and Moodle is our central hub for achieving that.
5. Graphmatica – Making Math Visualization Easy
For many students, math can be challenging – and graphing equations is one area that can either illuminate understanding or cause headaches. Graphmatica is a tool that helps tilt the balance toward understanding. It’s a powerful, lightweight graphing program that lets you plot equations, explore graphs, and visualize mathematical concepts with ease. While perhaps not as famous as some other apps, Graphmatica has been a favorite in math education for years because it’s straightforward and effective. You can graph Cartesian functions, plot polar coordinates, and even solve equations graphically. It essentially serves as a virtual graphing calculator (with a bigger screen!).
How CVS Uses Graphmatica: In our online math courses at CVS (like MCR3U – Grade 11 Functions, or MHF4U – Advanced Functions), you’ll often be encouraged to use Graphmatica to complete assignments or to check your work. For example, if you’re learning about parabolas, you might use Graphmatica to quickly sketch y=ax2+bx+cy = ax^2 + bx + cy=ax2+bx+c and see how changing a, b, or c transforms the graph. The software is provided to students as a recommended tool, and we chose it because it runs on almost any computer without fuss. It’s also free for students or has a free version, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs. Our course materials include guides on using Graphmatica for various tasks, so even if you’ve never used it, you’ll get the hang of it fast. By simplifying complex calculations and drawings, Graphmatica saves you time and helps you learn by visualizing.
Why it Matters: In a traditional classroom, a teacher might draw graphs on the board, or you’d use a handheld graphing calculator. Online, Graphmatica fills that role in a more comfortable way (no tiny calculator screen or manual button pressing). Visual learners thrive when seeing math, and Graphmatica delivers just that. Interestingly, when looking at other virtual high schools in Ontario, we found that very few explicitly mention the tools they use for math visualization. We identified this keyword gap – students searching for terms like “graphing software for online high school math” or “tools for online math courses” might not find much on competitor pages. By highlighting Graphmatica, CVS not only differentiates our program but also addresses those queries. For you as a student, using Graphmatica means you’re less likely to get stuck on tricky functions or calculus problems because you can graph and experiment with equations easily. It’s yet another example of how CVS has simplified technology for ease of use – we provide the right tool for the task so that you can focus on learning the concept, not wrestling with how to plot a graph.
FAQ: People Also Ask About Online High School Tools
What tools do you need for online high school?
To succeed in online high school, you’ll typically need a reliable computer and internet connection, plus key tools such as an LMS platform (e.g., Moodle) to access courses, productivity software like Microsoft Office for assignments, and interactive learning apps (like Gizmos or PhET) for labs and activities. A good set of headphones and a webcam can also be useful for any virtual meetings or presentations. In short, ensure you have the technology to read/view lessons, create documents or presentations, and engage with any simulations or course-specific software.
What are the best apps for online school?
The best apps for online school are those that help you stay organized and engaged. A learning management app (such as the Moodle app) is essential for keeping track of classes and notifications. For productivity, apps like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (or their mobile versions) are top choices for doing coursework. If you’re in science or math, interactive simulation apps like PhET or dedicated tools like Graphmatica are extremely helpful. Additionally, communication apps (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or even a school’s internal messaging system) are important for connecting with teachers. Ultimately, the “best” apps are the ones your school supports and that you find easy to use consistently.
How can I be successful in an online high school?
Success in online high school comes from a mix of good habits and using the right resources. First, stay organized – use your LMS calendar or a planner app to keep track of deadlines. Second, make the most of the tools for online learning: attend to the interactive lessons, use simulations like Gizmos/PhET to really understand the material, and practice with tools (e.g., Graphmatica for math) to reinforce learning. Don’t hesitate to ask for help through your school’s forums or email if you’re stuck. Also, create a regular study schedule and a quiet workspace at home. By combining discipline with the technology provided (like engaging with all the features of Moodle and completing hands-on labs), you set yourself up for strong performance and a rewarding experience.
Do online schools in Ontario provide learning tools?
Yes, reputable online schools in Ontario provide the necessary learning tools and platforms as part of their program. For example, most will give students access to an LMS (Learning Management System) where all course content resides. Schools like Canadian Virtual School also integrate specialized tools (e.g., Gizmos for science labs and Moodle LMS for course delivery) directly into their courses. While not every school publicly details its tools, you can expect that an Ontario virtual school will, at minimum, offer a course platform and digital resources. It’s a good idea to ask or check their website for mentions of specific tools or supports – schools that highlight their technology (like CVS) show that they have a robust system to help students learn effectively.
What is Moodle LMS used for in online education?
Moodle LMS is used as a virtual classroom platform in online education. It stands for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment – basically, it’s where online courses live. In Moodle, students can find lessons (text, videos, slides), take quizzes, submit assignments, participate in discussions, and track their grades. Teachers use Moodle to post announcements and resources and to receive and mark student work. In an online high school context, Moodle organizes everything in one place so that learning is structured and accessible 24/7. It’s user-friendly and designed to mimic much of the interaction of a physical classroom, making it easier for students to follow the curriculum and stay engaged.
What is Gizmos in online education?
Gizmos refers to ExploreLearning Gizmos, which are interactive online simulations for math and science education. In online high school courses, Gizmos are used as virtual lab activities or exploratory learning tools. For instance, instead of doing a physical lab in chemistry, a student might use a Gizmo to simulate a chemical reaction or to learn about cell biology. Gizmos provide a hands-on learning experience digitally – you can manipulate variables and see outcomes, much like a real experiment. They are widely used to help students grasp tough STEM concepts through visualization and experimentation. If your online school offers Gizmos, it means you’ll get to perform many virtual labs that align with what you’re learning in class, enhancing your understanding of the material.
How do virtual labs work in online high school?
Virtual labs in online high school work by using software simulations to replicate the experience of a real lab. Through platforms like PhET or Gizmos, students follow lab procedures on their computer: for example, mixing chemicals by clicking and dragging or adjusting electrical circuit components with sliders. The simulation then shows the result as it would occur in real life (with accurate scientific behavior). These virtual labs often come with instructions or worksheets, just like a hands-on lab would. Students can make hypotheses, run experiments, and record online data. Virtual labs are designed to meet curriculum objectives, covering the same skills and concepts (like the scientific method, observation, and analysis). The big advantages are safety, convenience, and repeatability: you can experiment any time, there’s no risk of spills or accidents, and you can redo the lab if you want to explore different outcomes.
Is Microsoft Office necessary for online classes?
While not always “necessary,” Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is highly recommended for online classes because it’s the standard for most assignments and projects. Online high school courses often require written essays (best done in Word or a similar word processor), presentations (PowerPoint or Slides), and data work (Excel or Sheets). Many schools, including those in Ontario, either provide Office 365 to students or accept work in Office formats. Using Microsoft Office ensures teachers will easily open your files and that formatting stays consistent. If you don’t have Office, you can use alternatives like Google Docs/Sheets/Slides, which are free – just remember to convert or download your work in the right format if needed. Ultimately, having Office or an equivalent suite is important for productivity in online learning. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re comfortable with the software required for coursework.
Is Graphmatica free for students?
Yes, Graphmatica is available as a free tool (or offers a free version) that students can use. It’s a lightweight program, and for educational purposes like plotting graphs for homework or projects, the free version is usually sufficient. You can download Graphmatica for your computer without any cost. This is one reason schools like CVS recommend it – there’s no extra barrier for students to get the software. Always ensure you download from a trusted source (the official Graphmatica site or a reputable software repository). Once installed, you can use it to graph equations, find intersections, and more. In short, Graphmatica won’t cost you anything, and it can save you time on math assignments by providing quick visuals of complex equations.
Are online learning tools hard to use?
Generally, the online learning tools schools provide are designed to be user-friendly. Platforms like Moodle have intuitive interfaces (with clearly labeled sections for assignments, lessons, etc.), and interactive tools like Gizmos or PhET come with instructions and simple controls (often just point-and-click). There can be a short learning curve as you get used to a new system, but schools like CVS offer orientation materials and support to help you learn the ropes. Remember that thousands of high schoolers use these same tools daily – so they’re made for students, not tech experts. If you can navigate social media or stream a video online, you have the skills needed to use an LMS or a virtual lab. Plus, CVS has simplified technology for ease of use, meaning we stick to a core set of reliable tools and provide Guidance for each. Whenever you encounter a hiccup, teachers and tech support are there to assist. So, don’t let fear of technology hold you back – with some practice, you’ll find these online tools quite manageable.
Embrace the Tools and Take Charge of Your Online Learning
Navigating online high school is much easier when you’re equipped with the right tools and apps. From performing cool experiments on Gizmos and PhET to staying organized with Moodle, acing assignments using Microsoft Office, and conquering math problems with Graphmatica, these platforms are your allies in the virtual classroom. Canadian Virtual School has intentionally curated these tools to remove barriers and enhance your learning experience. We want our students to log in each day feeling confident that they have everything they need to succeed.
Ready to put these top tools for online high school students to work for you? At CVS, online learning isn’t a solo journey – our technology and our teachers support you every step of the way. Whether you’re in Toronto, rural Ontario, or anywhere in Canada, you can tap into our streamlined virtual learning environment and thrive. If you’re excited to experience a school where innovation meets simplicity, we invite you to take the next step.
Explore our courses to see how these tools come alive in subjects like Chemistry, or register now to get started with Canadian Virtual School today. Empower your education with the best tools at your fingertips – and watch your online high school success take off!
