Synchronous learning is real-time education where instructors and students interact live, whether through video calls, online classes, or in-person co-ops—as opposed to asynchronous learning where students access pre-recorded content on their own schedule.
What is Synchronous Learning?
Synchronous learning happens in real-time. A teacher leads instruction while students participate simultaneously, asking questions and receiving immediate feedback. For homeschoolers, this takes many forms: live online classes through platforms like Outschool, weekly co-op gatherings with other families, video tutoring sessions, or virtual school programs with scheduled class times. The defining feature is live interaction—everyone engages at the same moment, creating opportunities for discussion and real-time clarification that self-paced learning cannot replicate.
Key Takeaways
- Requires scheduled participation—students must attend at specific times
- Enables immediate feedback and live interaction with teachers and peers
- Common formats include online classes, co-ops, tutoring sessions, and virtual schools
- Best for students who thrive on structure and social connection
- Less flexible than asynchronous learning but provides accountability
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning
Where Homeschoolers Find Synchronous Learning
Options range from informal to fully structured. Many families join local co-ops where parents take turns teaching their strengths—one teaches art, another leads science labs. Online platforms like Outschool connect students with freelance teachers offering live classes in everything from creative writing to AP Calculus. Virtual school programs like Connections Academy and Bridgeway Academy provide full curricula with certified teachers leading scheduled class sessions. Private tutors offering real-time video instruction cover advanced subjects parents may not feel equipped to teach.
Benefits for Homeschoolers
Real-time instruction shines when students need immediate clarification—misunderstanding a math concept gets addressed in the moment rather than compounding over days. The scheduled nature provides external accountability that some students need to stay on track. Social connection matters too: live classes create peer relationships and reduce the isolation some homeschoolers experience. For shy students, chat features allow participation without the pressure of speaking up verbally. Teachers can read the room, adjusting pace and explanations based on visible student reactions.
Drawbacks to Consider
Flexibility takes a hit. If your family travels frequently, maintains unconventional schedules, or juggles multiple children's activities, synchronous commitments create logistical challenges. Time zones complicate options for families far from instructors. Technical requirements are real—reliable internet is non-negotiable, and connection issues during live sessions mean missed instruction. Students who learn better by pausing, rewinding, and reviewing at their own pace may find the fixed tempo frustrating. Cost is often higher than asynchronous alternatives since you're paying for live teacher time.
The Bottom Line
Synchronous learning works well for students who thrive on structure, benefit from real-time interaction, and need external accountability. It's particularly valuable for challenging subjects where immediate feedback prevents misconceptions from taking root. Most successful homeschoolers blend both approaches—using synchronous instruction for subjects requiring discussion and feedback while leveraging asynchronous flexibility elsewhere. Consider your family's schedule, your student's learning style, and the subject matter when deciding which format fits each part of your curriculum.
