What is Synchronous Learning and Why It's Transforming Education in 2025

Proximity Learning Team
July 10, 2025

When families and school leaders think about virtual classrooms, they often picture pre-recorded lectures and discussion boards students tackle on their own. But what is synchronous learning, and why are more districts making it part of everyday instruction?

In 2025, this education model is helping districts offer flexible, interactive lessons to meet student needs in every location and time zone. With the right tools and support, synchronous learning makes remote learning more engaging and keeps learners on track with clear expectations and immediate feedback.

The Basics of Synchronous Learning

Synchronous learning refers to live, scheduled instruction where students and instructors interact in real time—much like a traditional classroom, but through digital tools. Most schools and districts use learning management systems (LMS)—secure online platforms where instructors can:

  • Post course materials
  • Track attendance
  • Grade work
  • Communicate updates

Popular LMS platforms include Canvas or Schoology. During synchronous sessions, students and instructors log in at a particular time for live interaction through video conferencing, screen sharing, and a chat feature for quick questions and clarifications.

This setup creates a virtual space that mirrors a face to face classroom. Teachers can explain new topics, guide learning activities, and provide immediate feedback as students participate, ask for help, and join group discussions.

Strong web conferencing tools make it easy for everyone to see, hear, and collaborate easily no matter their time zones or location. Together, these elements make synchronous learning feel personal, interactive, and supportive.

Forms of Synchronous Learning

Synchronous learning comes in different formats so schools have the flexibility to match live instruction to student needs and schedules. Each form provides real-time connection, immediate feedback, and opportunities to clarify concepts on the spot.

The most common ways school districts use synchronous sessions include:

  • Live lectures: Teachers deliver lessons to the whole class at an assigned class time, using video conferencing and screen sharing to walk through slides, examples, or demonstrations in real time.
  • Group discussions: Students join smaller synchronous online classes or breakout groups to talk through assignments, share ideas, and practice what they’ve learned with direct teacher guidance.
  • Online classes: Complete synchronous online classes meet regularly at a particular time each week, following a clear schedule for lectures, group work, and Q&A, just like a traditional classroom.
  • Interactive webinars: Schools host special live events where students engage with guest speakers, participate in polls and Q&A, and expand their knowledge of specific topics through guided real-time interaction.

The Differences and Synergy Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning

While synchronous learning happens live, asynchronous learning lets students work through online courses at their own paces. In asynchronous online learning, learners watch pre-recorded lectures, read assigned readings, and participate in discussion boards without needing to log in at the same time as their instructors or classmates.

Many online programs blend synchronous and asynchronous learning to give students both flexibility and real-time support. For example, a synchronous online class might meet weekly for live sessions, while students complete homework and submit assignments during the week when it suits their other commitments.

A young male student in a synchronous learning class

4 Ways Synchronous Learning is Transforming Education in 2025

Synchronous learning is reshaping how districts deliver high-quality, flexible online learning that keeps students connected and engaged in 2025. By adding live interaction to online programs, schools can close gaps that can appear when students rely only on asynchronous online methods.

1. Addresses State Teacher Shortages

One of the biggest benefits of synchronous learning is how it helps school districts handle persistent teacher shortages. According to the most recent Teacher Shortages report, there are over 49,000 teacher vacancies and about 400,000 roles filled by underqualified staff in the United States. Meanwhile, enrollment in teacher certification programs has stalled or dropped in many states, just as more educators are leaving the profession at rates higher than any time in the last ten years.

Connecting students with live, certified instructors through secure online learning programs allows districts to fill gaps in hard-to-staff subject areas and reach schools in rural or high-turnover regions. Instead of relying on asynchronous online learning alone, schools use synchronous sessions to provide real-time lessons from qualified teachers, no matter the time zones or location.

The result? Every student has access to a licensed educator and consistent support so learning stays on track even when local teacher pools run thin.

2. Provides an Engaging and Interactive Experience for Students

Compared to asynchronous classes, synchronous online classes keep students actively involved through live interaction, screen sharing, and real-time Q&A. Learners can use the chat feature, participate in polls, and work through problems alongside peers, which isn’t possible in purely asynchronous online setups.

The immediate connection helps clarify concepts on the spot and gives students the confidence to ask questions without delay. As a result, more learners stay focused during live lectures and get the direct help they need to master new material.

3. Strengthens Instructor-Student Relationships

Synchronous learning closes the distance between students and instructors by allowing them to meet regularly in a shared virtual space. Frequent live sessions and group discussions help teachers pick up on student struggles early and provide immediate feedback. This makes it easier for teachers to know their students as individuals. The resulting personal connection can:

  • Build trust
  • Improve communication
  • Help students feel more comfortable participating and staying engaged

4. Fosters a Sense of Community

Students see familiar faces, exchange ideas in real time, and learn to collaborate through group work when they attend synchronous classes. This shared experience builds a classroom culture similar to face-to-face learning, even when participants live in different time zones.

Learning activities like breakout rooms and peer discussions create space for teamwork and connection. Compared to studying alone with asynchronous online classes, live interaction boosts motivation and makes learners feel part of a supportive learning community.

Transform Your Classroom with Proximity Learning’s Live Instruction

Live, meaningful interaction is what makes learning stick, and synchronous learning proves it daily. By adding synchronous sessions, districts boost engagement, close learning gaps, and keep students connected, no matter their time zones or schedules.

Proximity Learning brings over 14 years of experience delivering certified, live instructors to more than 400 partner schools, staffing over 3,000 classrooms each year. Our proven model combines skilled teachers, powerful web conferencing tools, and real-time learning activities so every student has access to high-quality, interactive lessons.

Join the districts using synchronous learning to solve teacher shortages, expand courses, and give your students a better virtual classroom experience. Contact Proximity Learning today to bring live learning to your schools!

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about the author
Proximity Learning Team

The Proximity Learning Team is made of talented writers from various education backgrounds. They bring their expertise to inform the public on learning trends.

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