In this episode of Signals, Laura Glabb sits down with Andrew Shean, Chief Learning Officer at Penn Foster University, for a candid conversation about the state—and future—of online learning. With over 300,000 students enrolled across high school, college, and career programs, Penn Foster is quietly shaping a radically affordable, career-aligned alternative to traditional education. Shean dives into how the university keeps students debt-free, partners with major employers like Walmart and Petco, and tailors learning for adult and nontraditional students. From embedding AI literacy into the curriculum to rethinking outdated general education requirements, he shares the strategies that make Penn Foster’s model stand out in a crowded market.

Shean also unveils the LADS model, a research-backed approach to designing learner-centered, authentic, active, differentiated, and skill-based experiences—already showing double-digit gains in completion rates. Along the way, he reflects on why online learning often misses the mark, the barriers that still exist for students, and why he remains deeply optimistic about the disruptive potential of technology in education. This is a must-listen for educators, innovators, and learners who want to understand how education can be more effective, equitable, and aligned with the realities of today’s job market.

Key Moments

03:57 "Online Education's Evolving Accessibility"

06:53 Online Learning: Quality vs. Marketing

09:50 Degree Value and Career Alignment

15:39 "Critical Thinking as Education's Cornerstone"

17:30 Integrating AI in Education

20:27 Online Learning Expands Access

23:48 "Doubling Vet Tech Completion Rates"

26:57 Penn Foster's Completion Rate Growth

31:59 Optimism vs. Resistance to Change

36:13 "Overcoming Isolation in Online Learning"

37:19 Rethinking Outdated Learning Models

41:44 Under-19 Progress Challenges Explored

46:21 Open Dialogue on Education

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you care about the future of education—or if you’re navigating it yourself—this conversation will leave you inspired and informed. You’ll hear how Penn Foster is challenging the “cash cow” mentality of traditional online programs, designing with learning science at the forefront, and making education accessible without lifelong debt. Andrew Shean’s blend of data-driven insight, educator’s heart, and relentless optimism offers a rare look at what it really takes to make online learning effective, equitable, and career-relevant. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or lifelong learner, this episode will challenge your assumptions and spark new ideas about where learning is headed next.

Connect with Andrew Shean

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-shean

Follow Us On

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kyronlearning/

Company Website: https://www.kyronlearning.com/

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