Blend virtual ed-tech practice with regular in-person meetings and check-ins in summer learning programs¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The report recommends that districts deliver summer ed-tech programs as structured, blended models combining virtual practice with live interaction. Teachers found it nearly impossible to monitor engagement and motivate young learners without regular in-person meetings, and one teacher suggested weekly physical check-ins to hold students and parents accountable and distribute incentives. The authors write that a "blended approach that combines virtual practice with live interaction and collaboration may limit summer learning loss."

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Regular in-person meetings or weekly physical check-ins with an educator
• Educators and tech staff available to help students set up accounts before the school year ends

Constraints¶

• Entirely virtual and asynchronous programs made it difficult to resolve technical challenges and motivate students

Target Learners¶

• K-8 students at risk of summer learning loss

Target Learning Goals¶

• Maintaining math and reading skills over summer break

Related Strategies¶

• Blended Learning
• Individual Rotation
• Recruit early in the spring, communicate clearly with parents, keep enrollment open, and require commitment to clear program expectations
• Combine live cohort sessions, self-guided application, peer coaching, and virtual office hours in literacy professional learning

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Christina Luke, Christa M. Simone, Aubrey T. Francisco. (2016). Rapid Cycle Pilots: Summer Ed-Tech Programs. Digital Promise. https://digitalpromise.dspacedirect.org/items/8017846c-4099-4af3-92e4-462cd5d6262d