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 The Modulo Community is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. 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 * Website: https://www.passnetwork.org/general-7 * 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) * Profile: brookings.edu/experts/rebecca-winthrop * 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. The Modulo Community is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit teachyourkids.substack.com/subscribe