Remote Student Learning Guide 2023

Our Remote Student Learning Guide 2023 will help students:

• Receive discounts from internet service providers along with deals on technology and supplies
• Connect with nonprofit organizations that offer internet and computers to students and schools
• Get familiar with popular learning management systems schools use for online classes

Looking for decent internet on a budget? We can help you find that.

Find Affordable Internet

Introduction

School is back in session. This year, things are looking a little different. Many students are fully back in in-person classes, doing hybrid, or remote learning. No matter where you are learning this year, students in need of financial assistance for internet access and technology can use this guide to get the most out of their school year.

Internet Deals & Discounts For Students

Internet connection for school should never be a burden on you or your wallet. Luckily, several internet providers offer deals and discounts to help you stay connected for online classes.

Altice Advantage Internet

Families or K-12 students can get internet with up to 50 Mbps download speed for $14.99 per month through Altice Advantage Internet by Optimum and Suddenlink. To qualify, families must have a child who is eligible for or currently participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), or who is enrolled in a New York City public school. Altice Advantage Internet subscribers who have applied for service through AlticeAdvantageInternet.com are also eligible for a discounted, recertified Chromebook from Acer Recertified. Check out the full terms and conditions or apply on the Altice website.

Internet Essentials by Comcast

Internet Essentials is a starter program from Comcast that provides families and other low-income households 50 Mbps internet and in-home WiFi for $9.95 per month. Individuals can qualify if they are eligible for the NSLP, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and other programs. Internet Essentials customers also have the option to purchase a laptop or desktop computer at a discounted price.

Cox Connect2Compete

Cox is helping families and students get connected to the internet to continue their education at home. With the Cox Connect2Compete program, eligible families can get low-cost, home internet with WiFi for $9.95 per month. Visit their website to see if you’re qualified and start your application. 

Medicom Connect2Compete

Similar to Cox, Medicom is offering discounted internet for students and families at $9.95 per month. If Mediacom internet service is available in your area, you must have at least one student in grades K-12 living at home, or a child participating in the NSLP. Learn more about Mediacom Connect2Compete and find out if you’re eligible.

Spectrum Internet Assist

Spectrum offers the Spectrum Internet Assist program, which provides discounted 30 Mbps high-speed internet to low-income households, with the option to add in-home WiFi for $5 per month. Eligible households will also receive Security Suite and an internet modem at no additional cost. 

Technology Deals & Discounts For Students

Affordable, high-speed internet might not be the only thing on your Back-to-School list. Check out these deals and discounts on computers, supplies, and other tech for students.

Amazon Prime Student

Amazon Prime Student members get a six-month trial of free two-day shipping, unlimited streaming of TV shows and movies with Prime Video, access to Prime Video channels like SHOWTIME for $1 per month, and more deals and savings.

Apple Student Discounts

Apple is giving students discounts on their products and services, along with some freebies. College students can save up to $200 on an eligible Mac, up to $100 on an eligible iPad, discounts on iPad accessories, and free Apple TV+ with an Apple Music Student Plan. Check out all of the student discounts and offers on the Apple website.

Best Buy Student Deals

Best Buy has student-only deals available for students of all ages and for all stages of education. From discounts on computers and tablets to calculators and hard drives, Best Buy has options to make your learning more affordable. To explore these deals, all you have to do is create a My Best Buy® account and sign up for Student Deals.

Dell UNiDAYS

Get access to student-exclusive deals from Dell with UNiDAYS. Sign up for free with your email and receive 10% off Dell products along with access to discounts on other premium brands.

Lenovo Student Discount

Lenovo offers college students a discount on their entire purchase. Click the verification button in the shopping cart to verify your status, and the discount will be taken at checkout.

Microsoft Office 365 Education

Eligible students can sign up for Office 365 Education for free, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams. Enter your school email address to get started.

Xfinity Student-Exclusive University Offers

College students who aren’t living on campus can purchase Xfinity internet and get exclusive offers and perks. With Xfinity internet plans, college students receive a $100 Visa® Prepaid Card, access to thousands of shows and movies, streaming with Peacock, and six months of Amazon Music Unlimited for free. Confirm you’re a college student with Xfinity to enjoy these perks.

Nonprofits & Organizations for Internet Access & Tech

Several nonprofits and organizations offer additional access to discounted, at-home internet and computers to help students get connected to the internet for online classes or homework.

Computers with Causes

Computers with Causes is an organization that provides refurbished computers gifted by their donors to educational programs, students, and others in need. To become a candidate for a computer, complete the Computers with Causes application form.

EveryoneOn

EveryoneOn is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting low-income families to affordable internet service and computers. Use their offer locator tool to find low-cost internet and device offers in your area.

human-I-T

human-I-T is a nonprofit that provides low-income individuals and other nonprofits with technology, internet, and digital training. Use their free resources to request low-cost internet or refurbished technology.

The On It Foundation

The On It Foundation is a nonprofit that gives free computers along with computer training and internet access to low-income families with K-12 students. Learn more about qualifying for a free computer and how to apply. 

Popular Learning Management Systems

If you’re attending school remotely or with hybrid classes this year, chances are you’re using a learning management system (LMS). Get familiar with these popular online learning platforms before you log in to the virtual classroom.  

Blackboard

Blackboard is a learning management system used by colleges and K-12 schools for viewing course items and announcements, taking assignments and tests, and participating in class discussions. Check out Blackboard’s student resource center for support, tutorials, and tips.

Canvas

Canvas LMS is a collaborative workspace environment for K-12 and college students. Canvas is a cloud-based application for video-based learning, available on desktop and mobile. Visit the Canvas Student Guide for a complete introduction and rundown on features. 

Google Classroom

Classroom is a service by Google for creating, assigning, and grading assignments. Students can use Classroom for submitting assignments, checking grades, streaming classes, and sharing screens with teachers or peers.

Schoology

Schoology is a social networking platform and virtual learning environment for K-12 and college institutions that allows teachers to create, manage, and share academic content. Explore the Schoology Student Guide for explanations of features and tools, along with step-by-step instructions.

Read more about what internet speed you need for online classes and remote learning, and check out more details about what internet providers are in your area.