Organization: Rocket Learning
Country: India
Education level: Early childhood
Organization type: Nongovernmental organization
Family involvement: Strengthening Home Learning and Caregiving
Note: For more examples of how different organizations leverage digital communication to improve family engagement, see related strategies.
Overview
Rocket Learning was established in 2020 in response to a perceived gap in the school readiness of young low-income Indian children. The organization uses technology to create virtual learning communities among families, with the goal of eradicating learning inequalities for low-income children (Rocket Learning, n.d.). These communities use the power of peer motivation to encourage families to promote learning at home during their child’s early years. The project works primarily with families of young children aged 3-8.
How does it work?
Rocket Learning’s flagship intervention, known as the Smart Parent Program, is simple: It uses existing platforms like WhatsApp to create classroom groups comprising a teacher and 10-15 families. The organization automatically sends the WhatsApp groups daily messages containing at-home play-based learning activities, practice worksheets, and homework assignments. The content is provided in the group’s regional language and delivered primarily through images and videos. All of the content is designed to promote early learning in young children. Families are asked to respond every day with videos or pictures of themselves undertaking these activities with their children. They are also asked to share with the group about their child’s progress in developing literacy and numeracy skills. Families are incentivized to actively participate in the group through e-report cards, digital certificates, and medals sent by the government. Rocket Learning also uses leaderboards and personalized video collages to further encourage engagement with group activities.
The Smart Parent Program is paired with a companion effort, the Star Educator Program, which uses the same WhatsApp-based model to support the Anganwadi workers and teachers who run these classroom groups, so that both sides of the parent-educator relationship are engaged simultaneously.
Recently, Rocket Learning has begun leveraging artificial intelligence to improve this model through a new initiative called Appu. Designed to give families and educators personalized educational experiences for children in underserved communities, Appu works as an AI-powered digital learning companion. It uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze data and generate adaptive learning experiences to each child’s individual progress and developmental needs, inching closer towards individualized tutoring. The platform employs voice interactions, storytelling, and interactive activities to support holistic development in just a 15-minute session a day. With Appu, the goal is to boost children’s confidence and classroom readiness by using intuitive, culturally resonant, and accessible content.
What makes it work?
Rocket Learning focuses primarily on using behavioral nudges to make families more involved in their child’s education. It works to meet families where they are, providing content designed to be easily understood and consumed quickly through commonly used and accessible technology. Ultimately, Rocket Learning relies on the power of community and information exchange, bringing families together with their peers and providing them with the resources and encouragement they need to effectively facilitate their child’s learning at home.
What is the impact?
Since its inception, Rocket Learning has expanded to reach 15% of India’s public pre-schools and educators through meaningful partnerships. They work alongside ten state government, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Women and Child Development to scale their impact across the nation. With their Smart Parent Program, over 4 million children and families across 140 districts have gained access to high-quality early childhood programs.
Resources/testimonials
References
- Rocket Learning. (n.d.). About us. https://www.rocketlearning.org/about-us
Digital communication strategies are widely used across the globe in a variety of ways. Some utilize two-way communication systems between families and schools, while others provide one-way channels of information or learning support. For other examples of how different organizations leverage digital communication to improve family engagement, see:
Support learning at home:
- Ministerio de Educación de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires – Helpline to support remote learning
- Rocket Learning – Digital Parent Learning Communities
- Nord Anglia – Remote learning resources
- Inclusive Education – WhatsApp Helpline for Families of Children with Disabilities
- Family Engagement Lab – Native language text messages to strengthen learning at home
Communicating with school staff:
- Escola Municipal Professor Waldir Garcia – Digital parent-school chat groups
- School District 48: Sea to Sky – Regular communication on district activities and opportunities