IndyEd.com is proud to offer many different learning formats to help you build a custom education. We have secular and non-secular classes, classes for kids and for adults, and almost every subject and format you could imagine! This article will describe what each of our offerings entails so you can easily find the exact learning experience(s) to fit your individual needs and goals. It is important to note that these are generalized definitions! Because IndyEd.com doesn't force educators or learners into labeled boxes, you may find that individual instructors have variations on these definitions. 

JUMP TO:
Online Classes
Educational Resources
In Person Experiences
All in One Schools 
 

What kind of educational opportunities can you find on IndyEd.com?

Online Classes

Taking a class online opens up an entire world of learning, literally at your fingertips! Discover subjects ranging from coding to cooking, science to social skills, math to music, and everything in between! If there's a subject you're interested in, there's an online class made just for you.  And if you can't find exactly what you're looking for, reach out to an educator- they are often willing to create a custom class around your interests. Students can join classes from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. Take a class from your couch, in the park, or even on an airplane!

After you've decided on your subject, you have to decide your format. There are many different ways to utilize the various formats of online classes depending on your needs, schedule, and individual learning style. Let's look at the four types of online classes IndyEd.com offers:

Live Classes

• Set schedule 
• Live interaction with teacher and other students

Live online classes are conducted over the internet in real-time, where students and instructors interact virtually. They are normally in a small group setting with 5 to 15 students but can be less or more. Schedules are generally once or twice a week for between 30-60 minutes, but can vary. The major benefit is the live interaction between teachers and students and students with their peers. Students can ask questions, participate in discussions, and receive immediate feedback from the instructor via meeting platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet. 

Asynchronous Classes

• No live meetings
• Students interact with the teacher via email and discussion boards
• Lessons released on a set schedule with a set start and end date for each class
• Students work on their own time within those dates.

Asynchronous online courses, often called "flexi-schedule" or "flex" classes, refer to classes where students access course materials, lectures, quizzes, assignments, and/or discussions at their own pace and convenience within a set time frame, rather than in real-time. Unlike live classes, where students and instructors interact in real-time, asynchronous classes allow for more flexibility in scheduling and participation. These are excellent classes for students with busy schedules or who don't want or need live interaction. There is a set start date and end date for the class, and lesson materials are released generally on a set schedule throughout the course. 

Asynchronous online classes are commonly conducted through learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas or Google Classroom where instructors upload course materials, lectures, assignments, and facilitate discussions. Pre-recorded lectures, reading assignments, quizzes, and other multimedia resources are provided to support the learning process. Communication between students and instructors typically occurs through discussion boards, email, or messaging systems within the LMS. 

Self Paced Classes

• No live meetings or teacher interaction 
• Courses with a set end date, beginning either on a set date or "on demand" at any time 
• All lessons are released immediately
• Students work on their own time within the set schedule or with indefinite access

Self paced online courses, also called self-directed courses, are classes where students have complete flexibility to progress through the material at their own speed, bound only by the end date of the class- which is generally a more substantial amount of time when compared to asynchronous classes. Some self paced classes may offer indefinite access. Start times can be either a set date or "on demand." In self paced classes, learners have access to all course materials, assignments, and assessments from the beginning, allowing them to study and complete coursework according to their individual preferences and timelines at any time before the final end date of the class. These classes provide the maximum amount of schedule flexibility; however there is generally no teacher or peer interaction in self paced courses. Self paced courses are commonly offered through video platforms, websites, or learning management systems (LMS). 

Private Tutoring and Lessons

• Set schedule 

• Live, individual interaction with teacher

• Ability to focus on your specific needs/goals.

Online tutoring is a form of individualized, one on one teaching and learning, where a tutor provides personalized live instruction and support according to the student's individual needs and goals. Those goals can include academics, music, art, and more. Online tutoring sessions are conducted through video conferencing platforms, where tutors and students can see and communicate with each other in real-time. Students are able to book meetings with the teacher for multiple, ongoing sessions. Tutors can tailor their instruction to meet the specific needs and learning styles of individual students, and provide personalized feedback, address areas of difficulty, and adapt teaching strategies to maximize student understanding and progress. Overall, online tutoring provides a convenient and effective way for students to receive personalized support, improve their understanding of subject matter, and achieve their learning goals.

Educational Resources

Sometimes you don't need a class. You just need some supplements, support materials, or even textbooks to create your own learning experience. This is where the IndyEd.com resources search comes in. We offer several types of educational resources to help you achieve your learning goals.

Downloadable Resources

Downloadable educational resources refers to "on demand" digital materials that can be downloaded immediately from the internet and used for educational purposes. These resources come in various formats, including documents, presentations, worksheets, unit studies, visual aids, e-books, lesson plans, teaching guides, videos, audio files, and more. They cover a wide range of subjects and topics, catering to learners of different ages, interests, and proficiency levels.

Downloadable educational resources offer flexibility, accessibility, and convenience for both educators and learners. They can be easily accessed, customized, and adapted to suit individual learning needs, making them valuable tools for enhancing teaching and learning experiences.

Textbooks and Workbooks
Textbooks and workbooks are printed materials produced in physical form, designed to support teaching and learning in various educational settings. Textbooks provide comprehensive coverage of academic subjects and are commonly used as primary instructional materials for a complete curriculum. Workbooks offer practice exercises, activities, and assessments to reinforce learning and assess understanding. These materials are not downloadable and shipping is required.

Learning Aids and Kits
Learning aids and kits encompass physical supplemental educational materials that are shipped to learners, including the following:

Teaching Aids and Visuals: Visual aids enhance learning through visual representations of concepts, illustrations, charts, graphs, diagrams, maps, posters, and educational displays. 

Manipulatives and Learning Tools: Manipulatives are hands-on materials that facilitate active learning and conceptual understanding. Examples include counting blocks, geometric shapes, fraction tiles, measuring tools, and models used in math, science, and other subjects.

Flashcards and Study Cards: Used for memorization, review, and self-assessment.

Educational Games and Puzzles: Including board games, card games, puzzles, and educational kits.

Lab Kits: Boxed sets containing the equipment required to conduct science labs at home.

Class Supply Kits: Boxed materials needed for specific online classes/lessons.

In Person Experiences

In person educational experiences refer to learning activities and opportunities that take place in physical settings, such as classrooms, labs, field trips, workshops, camps, in person tutoring, homeschool co-ops, worldschooling hubs, and other face-to-face environments. These experiences involve direct interaction between teachers and students, that can include hands-on learning, collaboration, and engagement with materials, resources, and peers. 

All in One Schools

All in one online schools refer to educational institutions, private schools, or platforms that offer comprehensive K-12 education entirely online, covering all subjects and grade levels within a single platform. These schools provide a complete curriculum, instructional materials, assessments, and support services for students to receive a complete education in a virtual environment. This category is NOT for schools that offer a la carte classes. There should be one tuition, monthly or annually, that covers all coursework.