Learning Shouldn’t Be One-Size-Fits-All

What if the best way for your child to learn wasn’t in a traditional classroom? In this episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Amir Nathoo, Co-Founder and Head of Outschool, a live online learning marketplace that’s rethinking how—and where—kids learn. With over a million learners served, Outschool has quietly become a powerful alternative for families looking to break out of the one-size-fits-all education system. Amir shares the backstory of Outschool’s creation, how the pandemic accelerated online learning, and why education must be rebuilt around engagement, not just content. From the future of AI in personalized learning to working around rigid school systems, this conversation challenges everything you think you know about education. Key Takeaways: Marketplace models can drive systemic change in education—not just convenience. The best teacher for one child might not be the best for another. Fit matters more than credentials. Online learning isn’t a fallback—it can be a powerful first-choice when designed for engagement. AI can support personalization in education, but it can’t replace the human element that sparks true learning. Standardized testing may be holding back students who simply haven’t found the right learning environment. Timestamped Highlights: [01:00] – What Outschool is and why piano lessons over Zoom actually work [04:00] – The “aha” moment: why Amir believed education needed a new system—not just tweaks [07:00] – What happened when Outschool grew 20x in one year during the pandemic [10:00] – Why parents now get online learning—and how that changes everything [14:00] – The hidden tragedy of students thinking they’re “bad at math” because of the wrong fit [21:00] – The two biggest problems in education: personalization and engagement—and how AI fits in [24:00] – Why banning AI is the wrong conversation—and how we should be talking about learning motivation instead Quote of the Episode: "We created the game. If kids are using AI to jump through hoops, that’s on us—not them. The real problem is they’re not motivated to learn." – Amir Nathoo Resources Mentioned: Outschool – Explore the platform and sign up for free Khan Academy – Referenced in the discussion of EdTech and learning content ChatGPT / LLMs – Discussed in the context of student use and AI-assisted education Call to Action: If you're a parent, educator, or just someone who cares about the future of learning—this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Subscribe to the show, share this episode with a friend, and explore the classes at Outschool.com. Let us know what you think learning should look like in 10 years.