---
title: Difference Between Instructor-paced and Self-paced Courses
description: Welcome to this article where we'll explore the distinction between instructor-paced and self-paced courses in Open edX Studio. These two-course modes cater to different learning styles and paces, eac
---
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# Difference Between Instructor-paced and Self-paced Courses
## Understand Course Pacing Models in Open edX
### Overview
The choice between **Instructor-Paced** and **Self-Paced** course modes is one of the most important decisions you will make during the course creation process in **Studio**. This setting dictates how your content is released and how learners interact with deadlines.
**Note:** Ensure you have logged in to **Open edX Studio** before proceeding. You can find this setting under **Settings \> Schedule & Details**.
### Instructor-Paced Courses
Instructor-Paced courses follow a structured timeline set by the course team. This mode is ideal for courses that require a cohort of learners to move through the material together.
- **Fixed Release Dates:** You control exactly when each Section and Subsection becomes visible to learners.
- **Hard Deadlines:** Assignments and exams have specific due dates. Once the deadline passes, learners can no longer submit work for a grade.
- **Cohort Experience:** Because everyone accesses the same material at the same time, discussion forums tend to be more active and focused on current topics.
- **Certificate Generation:** Certificates are typically generated in bulk once the course reaches its official end date.
### Self-Paced Courses
Self-Paced courses offer maximum flexibility, allowing learners to progress through the material as quickly or as slowly as they wish.
- **Immediate Access:** All published course content is available to the learner as soon as the **Course Start Date** occurs.
- **Flexible Deadlines:** There are no fixed due dates for assignments. Learners only need to complete the work before the overall **Course End Date**.
- **Suggested Schedules:** Learners can opt-in to a "Personalized Learning Schedule" that provides suggested target dates based on their own enrollment date to help them stay on track.
- **On-Demand Certificates:** Learners can receive their certificates immediately upon reaching the passing threshold, rather than waiting for the course to end.
### 
| **Feature** | **Instructor-Paced** | **Self-Paced** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pacing | Guided and synchronous. | Flexible and independent. |
| Content Availability | Released on specific dates. | All available on the Course Start Date. |
| Assignment Deadlines | Strict, fixed dates and times. | No fixed dates; work must be done by Course End. |
| Best For | Cohort-based learning and live sessions. | Continuous enrollment and professional training. |
### Important Procedures & Rules
1. **Selection Timing:** You must select your course pacing **before** the course starts. Once the Course Start Date has passed and learners have enrolled, the pacing mode **cannot** be changed.
2. **Changing Modes:** To change the mode before the start date:
- Navigate to **Settings \> Schedule & Details**.
- Find the **Course Pacing** section.
- Select your preferred mode and click **Save Changes**.
3. **Subsection Settings:** Even in a Self-Paced course, you must still "Publish" your units for them to be visible, but you do not need to set individual release dates for Subsections.
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