Electric: 270.887.4200 | Internet: 270.887.0763

Hopkinsville Electric System - EnergyNet Internet Services – Hopkinsville, KY

Back to School Tech Checklist: Get Connected, Stay Ahead

Your Guide to a Smoother School Year

As the school year approaches, it’s time to trade in beach towels for backpacks and streaming marathons for study sessions. Whether you have a kindergartener starting their first day or a college student prepping for virtual lectures, one thing is certain: technology is now a core part of academic success.

To help your family stay organized, connected, and ahead of the curve, we’ve compiled the ultimate Back to School Tech Checklist, and it all starts with a strong internet connection.

  1. Reliable High-Speed Internet

With so much schoolwork happening online, a fast and dependable internet connection isn’t optional, it’s essential. energynet delivers powerful fiber internet with speeds up to 1 gig, so students can stream, research, upload assignments, and join virtual classrooms with zero buffering and no lag time.

  1. Updated Devices

Make sure all laptops, tablets, and phones are ready for the new year. Update software, clean out old files, and check battery health.

Student Device Essentials:

  • Tablet with stylus
  • Noise-canceling headphones with microphone
  1. Online Security

School devices often hold sensitive data like grades, personal info, and login credentials. It’s important to have security in place.

Tech Tips:

  • Install antivirus and enable firewalls
  • Activate parental controls for younger users
  • Use separate networks for guests or kids
  1. Cloud Storage & Backups

No student should lose a project the night before it’s due. Make sure cloud storage is set up and working across all devices.

Recommended Tools:

  • Google Drive or OneDrive for automatic syncing
  • External hard drive as a backup option
  • Auto-save features turned on in key apps
  1. Smart Scheduling & Productivity Tools

Digital planners and learning apps can help keep students on track.

Try These:

  • Google Calendar or MyStudyLife
  • Notion or Evernote for note-taking
  • Forest or Focus Keeper for screen time balance
  1. Printer & Accessories

Even in the digital age, sometimes paper still wins.

Checklist Add-Ons:

  • Printer ink and paper
  • USB drives or device adapters
  • Surge protectors and backup chargers

The back-to-school season is the perfect time to get your home tech-ready — and that starts with internet you can count on. energynet fiber internet delivers the speed, coverage, and reliability your family needs to thrive during the school year — whether you’re working from home, attending class online, or managing a household full of students.