Self-Paced classes offer a fully asynchronous learning experience on Outschool. Instead of meeting live, learners move through pre-recorded lessons and assignments independently while you provide feedback and support through classroom comments and messages.
This format expands access for families who want more flexibility and gives teachers a way to reach more learners without adding additional live sessions.
How Does the Self-Paced Format Work?
When a family enrolls, Outschool automatically creates a new section for that learner. Each section has its own classroom, where learners can access lessons, submit assignments, and communicate with you. Learners can start immediately or choose a future start date. Lesson access begins when the learner can view class content, which may start immediately, depending on the enrollment start date, and may impact refund eligibility.
To create a Self-Paced class, follow these steps:
Start a new class and select Self-Paced Class as the class type.
Choose a format: Enrichment & Clubs, Course, or One-time activity.
Follow the guidelines outlined in Class Policies: Formats and Attributes before submitting your class to be published.
Each lesson in your syllabus needs at least one post before families can enroll. Once your syllabus and lesson posts are complete, you can manage whether your class is accepting new enrollments from the class Summary tab.
For more information on creating and submitting a new class, visit Listing Your First Class.
For guidance on using classroom tools, including posts and messages, visit Classroom Features for Teachers.
How Do You Manage Your Class?
Managing your class is easy! You can update your class content or enrollment settings at any time.
New Enrollment toggle: Use this setting in the class Summary tab to control whether families can join your class. Turn it off to stop new learners from enrolling and back on when you’re ready to accept more.
Update your syllabus: You can edit your syllabus or posts at the class level at any time, and those updates will apply to new enrollments. Each section keeps the version of the syllabus that was active when learners enrolled, ensuring a consistent experience. To personalize content, you can edit or add posts directly within a learner’s section.
How Does Pacing Work for Families?
There are a couple of different pacing options that work for families. Families can choose to enroll upfront or on a weekly basis when signing up. Learners who enroll weekly receive new lessons each week according to your class syllabus, while upfront enrollments unlock all lessons at once. Learn more about the family experience in Self-Paced Classes for Families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do I support learners in a Self-Paced class?
You support learners for the class duration you set in your listing. Learners move through the class at their own pace and can access lessons for one year after their start date. You’re expected to provide feedback and respond to messages during this set class duration. After that period, classroom communication will conclude, but learners can still review the materials.
Can I offer support to learners after the class end date?
If you’d like to continue supporting a learner beyond the original class duration, you can extend teacher access for that enrollment. From the Manage Enrollment tab of the learner’s section, select Edit Teacher Access to adjust the date and continue posting or responding to comments during the extended period.
Can I customize lessons for individual learners?
Yes. You can customize lessons (edit or add posts) within a learner’s section to tailor content or assignments. Changes you make only apply to that learner’s section.
How do I upload or update lesson videos?
You can upload pre-recorded videos to each lesson post from your class’s Posts tab. Videos must be under 1 GB, which typically supports up to about an hour of standard-quality recording. You can replace or update videos at any time, and these changes will only affect future enrollments.
Can I use third-party tools in my class?
Yes. You can use approved third-party tools that follow Outschool’s policies. All class communication must remain on the Outschool platform. Learn more about Using Third-Party Tools with Learners.