Proof Points: Remote learning software that works

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By Jill Barshay

Defining what works in education is controversial. Many ed tech execs brag about how students scored higher on their own private-label yardsticks after using their programs. But their studies don’t tell you how students would have done otherwise, without the learning software. That requires setting up a randomized experiment with a control group. The Institute for Education Sciences inside the U.S. Department of Education arguably has the most stringent standards for evidence and when the pandemic hit, it waded through more than 900 studies to see which remote technologies would get over its high bar. Only three did.

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Key Findings

The three online learning programs that were deemed effective by the Education Department were ASSISTments, a website that helps middle schoolers with math homework; ITSS, a computerized tutoring system that improves reading comprehension among older elementary school students, and an online algebra course for eighth graders.

Ed tech that didn’t make the cut might still be effective but it hasn’t been rigorously tested.

Teacher Takeaway

The effective programs provide immediate feedback for students, telling them what they’ve gotten right and wrong.
The user experience for students doesn’t have to be dazzling. Remote learning software without flashy graphics, animations or games performed well.
For two of the top three technologies, the software is free for schools but there are sometimes training costs.

Lit Review

Sahni, S. D., Polanin, J. R., Zhang, Q., Michaelson, L. E., Caverly, S., Polese, M. L., & Yang, J. (Revised February 2021) A What Works Clearinghouse Rapid Evidence Review of Distance Learning Programs What Works Clearinghouse, Institute of Education Sciences

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