Online Education and the Problem with the One-Size-Fits-All Model

Traditional school environments emphasize student-teacher relationships and connected classrooms that are crucial for learning, so why don’t online programs?

In the world of online education, too many programs offer a one-size-fits-all approach—recorded lessons, large classes, and limited interaction. In many ways, this has long been accepted as the trade-off of online learning. You’re asked to give up a collaborative and engaging classroom environment for the sake of flexibility. We believe that online education should not be a compromise and our program, with an emphasis on small live classes taught by highly experienced teachers, proves just that.

In 2020, many families experienced live synchronous learning for the first time. Classes shifted online with students spending hours on Zoom, while teachers and parents navigated the challenges and frustrations that followed. It’s clear now that for online synchronous learning to be effective, it must evolve. When approached thoughtfully, it can be an excellent alternative to the traditional classroom environment.

A one-size-fits-all approach rarely leads to student success, whether online or in traditional settings.

We know that human beings learn best in a collaborative environment with a diversity of viewpoints and perspectives. Compared to an asynchronous online program where students work independently, even a one-on-one synchronous session instantly doubles the exchange of perspectives and ideas. Learning doesn’t thrive in a vacuum. Student-teacher and peer-to-peer interactions are crucial to building the right foundation, but you also have to consider the impact of class size.

Building an engaging environment within a classroom of 15-20 students can be challenging enough in-person, but online it is nearly impossible. There is little room for differentiation, discussion, and most importantly, connection. But with smaller classes, the opportunities for engagement multiply. In our own synchronous sessions, we regularly observe our students leading discussions and our teachers offering feedback, coaching, and support.

The last vital piece to consider is screen time. Simply transferring the synchronous learning of a typical school day online is not the answer. We know that students learn best when information is provided through a variety of channels and sources. That is why our program takes advantage of bi-weekly live classes and is supported by the flexibility of asynchronous coursework. As a result, our students are able to complete a course over a three month period, allowing them to focus on no more than 2-3 courses per semester. This schedule ensures flexibility, reduces screen time, and maximizes learning outcomes by reducing the overload of taking too many courses at once.

A one-size-fits-all approach rarely leads to student success, whether online or in traditional settings. That's why our program combines the flexibility of online learning with the collaborative, engaging environment of small live classes—offering the best of both worlds.