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.
Enrollment begins on the purchase date. Learners may appear as Not Started until they enter the classroom, at which point the enrollment moves to In Progress and teacher support weeks begin. If a learner does not enter the classroom, teacher support weeks automatically begin two weeks after enrollment.
Lesson access follows your selected pacing settings (weekly release or full access upfront), and classroom entry may impact refund eligibility. After teacher support weeks end and the enrollment is marked as completed, learners retain access to self-paced class content for 12 months.
To create a Self-Paced class, follow these steps:
Start a new class and select Self-Paced Class as the class type.
Complete your class details and syllabus according to Outschool’s Class Policies.
Add at least one post to each lesson in your Classroom.
Upload a featured video to the first lesson in your Classroom before requesting listing approval. A featured video is required for review.
You can use Preview class listing from your class details page to review how your class will appear to families before submitting it for approval.
Once your syllabus and lesson posts are complete, you can manage whether your class is accepting new enrollments from your class page.
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 setting: Use this control in your class page to determine whether families can join your class. Turn it off to pause new enrollments and turn it back on when you're ready to accept more learners.
Update your syllabus and lessons: You can edit your syllabus or lesson posts at the class level at any time. Updates apply to new enrollments. Each section keeps the version of the syllabus that was active when the learner 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?
Families can choose to enroll upfront or on a weekly basis when signing up.
Learners who enroll weekly receive lessons released on a weekly schedule based on the recommended pacing for your class. 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 number of teacher support weeks specified in your class listing. Teacher support weeks begins when a learner enters the classroom and continue for the number of weeks specified in your listing. Learners move through the class at their own pace and can access lessons for one year after the enrollment is completed. After the teacher support weeks end, classroom communication will conclude, but learners can still review the materials.
What if a learner doesn’t enter the classroom right away?
If a learner does not enter the classroom, teacher support weeks automatically begin two weeks after enrollment. Once support begins, it continues for the duration set in your listing.
When can parents leave reviews for self-paced classes?
For self-paced classes, parents may leave a review once their learner has engaged with the class, such as by completing a lesson or commenting on a post. Reviews can be submitted before teacher support weeks end, but must still be left within 30 days after support concludes.
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 learner’s enrollment settings and adjust the support end date.
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 in your Classroom. 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. Changes apply to 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.