Dedicated teachers in small Pods provide personalised guidance and feedback, helping students stay motivated in online classrooms.
Image: Supplied
As South African families increasingly turn to digital schooling options, many children are struggling to stay engaged in large virtual classrooms and pre-recorded lessons and the impact on learning outcomes can be substantial.
South Africa’s online education market, currently valued at about $396 million (R 6.77billion), is projected to grow nearly sevenfold to R48.5bn by 2033. Yet only 13.9% of learners currently use online platforms, highlighting both untapped potential and the need to ensure quality learning as the sector expands.
Experts warn that growth without thoughtful design can leave children behind. Studies published in the Economics of Education Review show that large class sizes and passive, video-based instruction can reduce comprehension by up to 40%, particularly among younger learners still developing core cognitive and social-emotional skills.
Research also points to the emotional toll. A meta-analysis including more than 90,000 learners found a strong link between teacher connection and student engagement. Children in online environments often disengage when interaction is limited, reporting feelings of isolation, distraction, or uncertainty about their progress.
Some South African online schools are experimenting with solutions to these engagement challenges. Koa Academy, for example, uses live, micro-learning “Pods” of just eight learners. Mark Anderson, Koa Academy’s Co-founder and Principal, explains: “Our micro-learning Pods consist of just eight learners per group, fostering a close-knit, interactive environment rarely seen in the online education space. Unlike typical online formats dominated by passive content consumption, these Pods thrive on live, synchronous sessions where every student participates actively.”
Each Pod is led by a dedicated teacher who provides personalised guidance and feedback. Anderson adds: “Our model addresses the root causes of disengagement by providing consistent teacher presence and support, social belonging and peer accountability, interactive learning replacing passive watching and structured flexibility, promoting responsible self-management.”
Koa Academy reports that this approach has contributed to a 100% matric pass rate for the past two years and improved confidence, focus and connection among learners. While this model is not yet widespread, it highlights how smaller, interactive learning environments can support both academic success and emotional well-being.
Education analysts stress that as online schooling becomes more mainstream, the focus must remain on quality, human-centred teaching, not just access. The core question is whether digital learning can create connected, supportive environments - not simply replicate overcrowded classrooms online.
For millions of children expected to enter online schooling in the coming decade, the stakes are high. As one researcher puts it: “Designing for engagement isn’t optional. Without it, online education risks widening the gap instead of closing it.”