ERIC Number: ED613649
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Jan
Pages: 46
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Is Engaging Online Learning Possible? A Study of an Innovative National Virtual Summer Program. EdWorkingPaper No. 21-345
Schueler, Beth; West, Martin R.
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
We study an early effort amid the COVID-19 pandemic to develop new approaches to virtually serving students, supporting teachers, and promoting equity. This five-week, largely synchronous, summer program served 11,769 rising 4th-9th graders. "Mentor teachers" provided PD and videos of themselves teaching daily lessons to "partner teachers" across the country. We interviewed a representative sample of teachers and analyzed educator, parent, and student surveys. Stakeholders perceived that students made academic improvements, and the content was rigorous, relevant, and engaging. Teachers felt their teaching improved and appreciated receiving adaptable curricular materials. Participants wanted more relevant math content, more differentiated development, and less asynchronous movement content. Findings highlight promising strategies for promoting online engagement and exploiting virtual learning to strengthen teacher development.
Descriptors: COVID-19, Pandemics, School Closing, Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Summer Programs, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Minority Group Students, Low Income Students, At Risk Students, Mentors, Teacher Collaboration, Faculty Development, Program Effectiveness, Reading Instruction, Mathematics Instruction, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Parent Attitudes
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. Brown University Box 1985, Providence, RI 02912. Tel: 401-863-7990; Fax: 401-863-1290; e-mail: AISR_Info@brown.edu; Web site: http://www.annenberginstitute.org
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Grade 5; Middle Schools; Grade 6; Grade 7; Junior High Schools; Secondary Education; Grade 8; Grade 9; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Bellwether Education Partners
Authoring Institution: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A