In this conversation, Manisha Snoyer interviews Mickey Revenaugh, education writer, entrepreneur, co-founder of Connections Academy (one of the first public virtual school providers in the United States) and an investor in Modulo, to discuss the evolving landscape of online and unconventional education. They dive into the founding story of Connections Academy, the importance of child-centered learning, and the innovative approaches shaping the future of education. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities in online education, including the role of technology, the balance of stakeholder needs, and the rise of micro schools and education savings accounts (ESA) programs.
The dialogue also highlights the significance of understanding family needs, fostering critical thinking, and building supportive communities for unschooling families. Mickey shares her journey of writing a book on diverse educational settings, offering rich insights into how families are embracing unconventional learning environments. They touch on the political aspects of education and the potential for unity among groups prioritizing children’s education.
This conversation underscores Modulo’s mission to empower families and educators through innovative solutions—an effort currently being amplified through tour Wefunder campaign, which invites supporters to join in shaping the future of education.
Takeaways
Mickey's career path was not linear, reflecting a common experience among women.
The founding of Connections Academy was influenced by the need for innovative education post-9/11.
Child-centered learning requires collaboration between parents, teachers, and students.
Synchronous learning involves real-time interaction, while asynchronous learning allows for flexibility.
Feedback from families was crucial in shaping the curriculum and teaching methods.
Building public school contracts involved identifying visionary superintendents and navigating regulations.
Trust between parents and educators is essential for successful online learning.
The online education market is competitive, but collaboration can lead to better outcomes.
High satisfaction rates are key to the success of online education programs.
The future of education may include more micro schools and flexible learning options.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Online Education Innovations
05:19 The Impact of 9/11 on Educational Reform
10:58 Synchronous vs Asynchronous Learning
18:44 Navigating State Regulations and Legislation
24:29 Competing in the Online Education Market
30:53 The Importance of Self-Directed Learning
35:57 Critical Thinking and Learning How to Learn
41:57 The Role of Children in Influencing Parents
45:59 Engagement Through Shared Activities
53:19 The Journey of Unconventional Education
01:00:03 Navigating the Challenges of Homeschooling
01:08:15 Bridging Divides in Education
Keywords: online education, Connections Academy, child-centered learning, synchronous learning, asynchronous learning, educational reform, public school contracts, education technology, micro schools, ESA programs, unschooling, self-directed learning, education innovation, critical thinking, community support, homeschooling, technology in education, diverse learning environments, parent involvement, learning how to learn, unconventional education, homeschooling, unschooling, micro schools, parents, community, learning environments, education challenges, school choice, educational diversity
Resources
Modulo resources
Modulo
Website: modulo.app
Description: A platform for homeschooling and self-directed learning resources.
Modulo’s WeFunder Campaign
Website: wefunder.com/modulo
Description: Invest in the future of education
Modulo Community Podcast
YouTube: Modulo Community Podcast
Description: A podcast exploring homeschooling, self-directed learning, and education innovation.
Organizations and Programs
Connections Academy
Website: connectionsacademy.com
Description: One of the first online public schools co-founded by Mickey Revenaugh.
Stride and K12
Website: stridelearning.com
Description: A leading provider of online education programs.
E-Rate Program
Website: fcc.gov/general/e-rate-schools-and-libraries-usf-program
Description: A program that provides discounts to assist schools and libraries in obtaining affordable telecommunications and internet access.
Vela Education Fund
Website: velaedfund.org
Description: A fund supporting innovative education entrepreneurs.
Black Microschool Network
Description: A network of microschools serving Black students with culturally resonant curriculum.
Johns Hopkins University Press
Website: press.jhu.edu
Description: The publisher of Mickey Revenaugh’s upcoming book.
Relevant Modulo interviews and posts mentioned
Rebecca Winthrop interview
Self-directed learning
Cognitive Diversity
Nurturing Critical Thinkers
Learning is Love
Socialization
Concepts and Movements
Microschools
Modulo Glossary: https://www.modulo.app/all-resources/microschools-an-overview
Description: Small, community-based learning environments.
Unschooling
Modulo Glossary: https://www.modulo.app/all-resources/unschooling
Description: A self-directed, interest-led approach to education.
Roadschooling
Modulo Glossary: https://www.modulo.app/all-resources/roadschooling
Description: Homeschooling while traveling, often in RVs.
Gameschooling
Modulo Glossary: https://www.modulo.app/all-resources/gameschooling
Description: Using games (board games, video games, etc.) as educational tools.
Montessori Education
Website: https://www.modulo.app/all-resources/montessori-education-an-overview
Description: An educational approach emphasizing self-directed learning.
Self-Directed Learning
Modulo Glossary: https://www.modulo.app/homeschool/self-directed-education
Description: An educational approach where learners take control of their own learning.
Worldschooling
Modulo Glossary: https://www.modulo.app/all-resources/worldschooling
Description: Educate your children while traveling the world experiencing different cultures and history.
Books and Authors
Mickey Revenaugh’s Upcoming Book
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Expected Release: Fall 2026
Description: A book exploring the diversity of unconventional education models.
Marshall Rosenberg (Nonviolent Communication)
Book: Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life
Website: cnvc.org
Description: A framework for compassionate communication.
People Mentioned
Rebecca Winthrop (Brookings Institution)
Description: A scholar specializing in education innovation.
Daniel McFarland (Stanford University)
Profile: ed.stanford.edu/faculty/mcfarland
Description: A researcher studying the network ecology of schools.
Tools and Platforms
Blackboard
Website: blackboard.com
Description: A learning management system used in education.
Skype
Website: skype.com
Description: A platform for video calls and synchronous communication.
ChatGPT
Website: openai.com/chatgpt
Description: An AI tool for generating text and responses.
Events and Conferences
Game Schooling Conference
Description: A conference focused on using games in education.
Learn more: gameschoolcon.com
Northeast Unschooling Conference (New England)
Description: A niche conference for unschooling families.
Learn more: North East Unschooling Conference or NEUC
Other Resources
Moby Max
Website: mobymax.com
Description: An online math program for tracking student progress.
MAP Growth Test
Website: nwea.org/map-growth
Description: A test for measuring student growth.
Homeschool Boss
Website: https://homeschoolboss.com/
Description: a company that administers the Map Growth test to homeschoolers.
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