Live Online Lessons vs Self-Paced Learning in Virtual School
by Valerie Kirk
5 min to read
From brick-and-mortar public and private schools to online schools and homeschooling, today’s parents have a lot of options when it comes to finding the best learning environment for their child. Making that choice can be a bit overwhelming, though, especially for families who may only have experience with in-person school options.
For families interested in remote learning options for their child, a question they often have is how exactly students learn in online school when it comes to teacher-led LiveLesson sessions and self-paced learning.
How Online School Works: Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning
Accredited, online K-12 schools like Connections Academy and Pearson Online Academy use a curriculum designed for online learning that meets strict accreditation standards and state graduation requirements. With that, comes a learning schedule flexibility that allows students to complete their coursework and lessons throughout the week at the time most convenient for them, whether that be in small spurts throughout the day or all at once in the mornings or evenings.
It all comes down to a mix between the two main online class formats: synchronous learning and asynchronous learning or LiveLessons vs self-paced learning.
What are LiveLesson Sessions Like?
LiveLesson sessions are virtual classes that typically last for one hour led by a teacher in real time. The teacher is on camera during the class, and students are encouraged to be on camera as well, though it is not required.
During a LiveLesson session, teachers review lesson materials, lead instruction in new content, engage students by asking questions in real time and guide them in applying their learning through interactive activities. Students can raise their hands, ask questions, and respond to their teacher using a microphone or through chat.
Students can also participate in group work during LiveLesson sessions. They meet with classmates in breakout rooms to work on assignments together, then rejoin the full class when they are finished.
LiveLesson sessions are scheduled at different times throughout the week so they can attend based on their other courses.
What Is Self-Paced Learning?
With self-paced learning, students work through their coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule. They don’t attend live classes and therefore aren’t tied to strict class start times.
Because LiveLessons are often recorded, students who prefer self-paced learning can still benefit from the teacher-led instruction that happened during the class. Self-paced learners can also connect with their classmates through the class message board and connect with their teachers for learning support during office hours should they have any questions about the learning material.
The Benefits of Live Lessons
LiveLesson sessions bring classmates together in a live virtual environment, where they can interact with their teachers, meet new friends, and make connections as they learn. Students attending LiveLessons also benefit from:
Receiving immediate feedback by asking their teacher questions.
Gaining a deeper understanding of the content. Developing soft skills, including communication, active listening, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership.
Building time management skills by ensuring they are prepared for their classes and attend them on time.
The Benefits of Self-Paced Learning
Self-paced learners are motivated and disciplined and can complete their lessons based on their own schedule. They work with their Learning Coach—often a parent or caregiver who supports them and helps them stay on track—while connecting on their own with their teacher for learning guidance and to ensure they are meeting the class requirements.
The benefits of self-paced learning include:
Flexibility to do schoolwork around extracurricular and volunteer activities, jobs, medical, or family obligations.
Control Over Learning by spending as much or as little time on each lesson that they need, especially on subjects that may be more challenging.
A Personalized Learning Experience, which allows teachers to tailor lessons to meet each student’s unique learning style, especially if they are behind, ahead, or in need of learning accommodations.
LiveLesson Sessions vs. Self-Paced Learning: Which is Better?
LiveLesson sessions and self-paced learning both offer benefits to students – plainly, one isn’t better than the other. Choosing to attend LiveLesson sessions or listen to a recording and learning at their own pace is completely up to each student and their Learning Coach.
Students are also welcome toenjoy a mixture of both learning methods. They can attend LiveLesson sessions one week if their schedule allows and listen to the recording other weeks when they can’t make the live classes. It all depends on what works best for the student and their family’s unique preferences, abilities, and situation.
Learn More and Enroll
To learn more about virtual online classes, self-paced learning, and all of the benefits of online school, request more information about Connections Academy or attend an information session. You can also start the enrollment process online.
You can also request more information about Pearson Online Academy and start the admissions process. If you have questions about Pearson Online Academy, you can contact them at 1-877-804-6222.
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