AUSTIN, Texas — Eight-year-old Alice Flores is showing off a new way of learning in the classroom. With interactive menus, colors and a kid-friendly layout, Flores is excited to begin today’s lesson.

Flores and a few of her classmates are taking on the role of "young learners," as opposed to being called students or children on campus. She attends Acton Academy at Green Village in Austin.

Acton Academy is a micro school where multi-aged learners work together in a small classroom setting to achieve common goals at their own pace. The school’s model is an educational system where teachers act as guides to help learners on their individual journeys using technology-based programs.

Adrian Abascal is the co-founder of Acton Academy at Green Village. He believes through the use of technology, learners are able to continue their education regardless of challenges and shortages brought on by the pandemic.

“It takes the role of the teacher out of the equation,” said Abascal.

Abascal says the information isn’t delivered by the teachers. Instead, it’s delivered via technology. With this shift, the teachers are able to provide learners with the tools they need to navigate the program at home or on campus.

While the micro school system has been in place before COVID-19, many families are opting in for this alternative learning option as concerns in traditional classroom settings continue to rise amid the pandemic.