ARUKAY

Who (first and last name) is the Team Lead for your application and LEAP Project?

Vicky Ricaurte

Describe the role the Team Lead plays in your organization. [100-200 words recommended]

Vicky Ricaurte, CEO and co-founder of Arukay, plays a pivotal role in steering the organization towards its mission of transforming digital education in Latin America. With a Master's in Management from Harvard University and a background in Industrial Engineering and Marketing, Vicky's leadership is characterized by a deep understanding of educational technology and innovative business strategies.

As the Team Lead, Vicky drives the strategic vision of Arukay, overseeing all major initiatives from curriculum development to international expansion. She is directly involved in key decision-making processes and partnerships, ensuring that Arukay’s offerings remain at the forefront of educational innovation. Her role involves not just managing day-to-day operations but also inspiring her team to achieve excellence. Vicky’s ability to connect with educational leaders and influencers globally has significantly elevated Arukay’s profile, securing its place as a leader in EdTech across Latin America.

Under her leadership, Arukay has received numerous accolades for its impactful and dynamic approach to teaching computational thinking and coding, further validating the effectiveness of the learning systems she has helped to pioneer. Vicky continues to be a prominent voice in the field of education, advocating for the importance of coding as the language of the future, while also actively participating in international educational forums and conferences.

Explain how your Team Lead and supporting team members are well-positioned to effectively support the LEAP Project, given other priorities within your organization. [300-500 words - recommended]

Vicky Ricaurte, as the CEO and co-founder of Arukay, along with her diverse and skilled team, is exceptionally positioned to effectively support the LEAP Project. 

Team Capabilities and Project Support

1. Leadership and Vision: Vicky Ricaurte brings a strategic vision and a robust understanding of educational technology, ensuring that the LEAP Project aligns with Arukay's mission and long-term goals. Her leadership ensures that the project will not only receive the attention it requires but will also be integrated seamlessly into the broader objectives of the organization.

2. Dedicated Team Structure: 

• Academics & product Team, led by Cristina Duarte, with a focus on curriculum development and instructional quality. This team will be crucial in aligning the LEAP Project’s educational content with Arukay’s pedagogical standards and ensuring its effectiveness.

• Platform Development Team, managed by Luis Castro and his team, responsible for the technical execution and support of the LEAP Project’s digital requirements. Their expertise in UX, automation, and quality assurance will ensure that the project’s platform is user-friendly and robust.

• Finance and Administration Team, directed by Marcela Garzon, ensures the project is financially viable and runs smoothly, addressing any logistical and administrative needs.

3. Cross-functional Collaboration: The structure allows for cross-functional collaboration essential for a holistic project like LEAP. For example, the Academics Team can work closely with the Platform Development Team to ensure that the educational content is effectively delivered through the digital platform.

4. Resource Allocation: Vicky has the authority and capability to allocate resources efficiently, ensuring that the LEAP Project receives the necessary financial, human, and technological resources without disrupting the organization's other operations.

5. External and Internal Communication: With roles clearly delineated for internal management and external communication (e.g., Cristina Duarte in Commercials and Marketing), Arukay ensures that all stakeholders are kept informed and engaged, enhancing the visibility and impact of the LEAP Project.

6. Continual Learning and Adaptation: The team’s structure supports continual learning and adaptation, key for the iterative testing and improvement phases of the LEAP Project. Insights gained from the project can be quickly integrated into broader organizational practices.

One-line solution summary: In 20 words or less, summarize your organization's product or program that is the focus of your LEAP Project.

Arukay's interactive coding and computational thinking curriculum engages and enhances the learning outcomes of children aged 2-12 in Latin America

Define the problem that your solution seeks to solve. [300-500 words recommended]

Arukay is addressing a critical deficiency in digital talent within Latin America by preparing students from an early age for the demands of future job markets through a comprehensive curriculum in coding, computational thinking, and digital skills. Our solution equips students from primary school through twelfth grade with the essential tools needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The Problem

The rapid pace of technological advancement has transformed the job landscape, making digital literacy and programming skills not just beneficial but essential for future employment. However, Latin America faces a significant challenge: a lack of widespread, systematic digital education that starts early in a child's academic journey. This gap threatens to widen socioeconomic disparities and limit regional competitiveness in the global economy.

Key Issues Arukay Aims to Solve:

1. Shortage of Digital Talent: Many Latin American countries are experiencing a digital skills gap, which is hindering their ability to compete in technology-driven industries. By integrating digital skills and programming into early education, Arukay aims to cultivate a homegrown talent pool adept at meeting these emerging challenges.

2. Preparation for Future Careers: As the digital economy expands, the demand for skilled professionals in technology fields continues to grow exponentially. Early exposure to coding and computational thinking not only prepares students for these opportunities but also opens doors to innovative career paths that may not yet exist.

3. Development of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: The structured nature of computational thinking helps students develop an analytical approach to problem-solving. By breaking down complex problems into manageable parts, students learn to tackle challenges methodically and efficiently.

4. Fostering Creativity and Innovation: Programming is not just about coding; it's about creating and innovating. Arukay’s curriculum encourages students to think outside the box and develop unique solutions to problems, boosting their creative and innovative capacities.

5. Comprehensive Understanding of Technology: Beyond using technology, understanding how it works demystifies digital tools and empowers students to become creators of technology, not just consumers.

6. Enhancement of Academic Performance Across Subjects: The skills learned through programming and digital literacy are transferable and can enhance performance in traditional subjects such as mathematics, science, and languages by providing new perspectives and problem-solving techniques.

Skills Developed Through Arukay’s Curriculum:

• Hard Skills: Including programming, digital literacy, and comprehensive computational thinking.
• Soft Skills: Such as problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, perseverance, and time management.

Through its innovative curriculum, Arukay is not just preparing students for the jobs of the future; it is equipping them to be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers who can navigate any discipline or circumstance. This preparation begins at an early age, setting a foundation that enhances lifelong learning and adaptability in the face of an ever-changing technological landscape

Describe your solution and how it works in simple terms. [300-500 words recommended]

Arukay offers a comprehensive learning system for schools that integrates computational thinking, coding, and digital skills into K-12 education.  Arukay has impacted over 100,000 students across more than 10 countries in Latin America. Our curriculum is available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, making it accessible to a diverse student population. Here's a simple explanation of how our solution works:

Comprehensive Curriculum

Arukay’s learning path begins with foundational computer science concepts, progresses through block-based programming languages, advances to text-based coding, and culminates in a digital badges program. Each grade level has a tailored learning path, ensuring that content is age-appropriate and builds on previous knowledge.

Dynamic Instructional Design

Our curriculum includes dynamic video tutorials, STEAM challenges, and assessments. These tools are designed to make learning engaging and interactive while providing real-time feedback to educators about student performance through detailed reports and analytics.

Multilevel Learning Modules

The learning occurs across three levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced. These levels are available for each programming language and grade, ensuring that all students can progress at a pace that suits their learning needs. We include block-based languages like Scratch and JavaScript, as well as text-based languages like Python and HTML5, all open-source to avoid additional costs to schools.

Teacher Training and Support

Arukay evaluates and trains teachers, enabling even those without prior experience to teach digital skills effectively. Our training includes synchronous and asynchronous content, pedagogical strategies, and platform usage, supported by our "service tribe" of key school managers who provide year-round support and training.

Integrated Management Platform

Our curriculum and teacher training are delivered through a robust management platform that supports single sign-on with major educational systems like Google and Microsoft. This platform provides immersive learning experiences and is equipped with support channels like WhatsApp to ensure responsive service.

Reports and Analytics

Arukay offers detailed quantitative and qualitative reporting tools that provide insights into student progress and competency mastery. These reports are aligned with international standards such as ISTE and CSTA, and help educators adjust the curriculum to meet the specific needs of their students.

Implementation and Continuous Support

The implementation process begins with an orientation to familiarize all stakeholders with the project. Throughout the academic year, Arukay's Customer Experience team supports and guides educators and coordinators to ensure successful use of our learning system. Regular follow-up meetings help monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.

By providing a structured pathway for learning digital skills, Arukay equips students for future careers and nurtures critical thinkers and problem solvers. This preparation starts early, fostering a generation of students who are not just technology users but innovators and creators.

Select the key characteristics of your target population. Select all that apply.

• Women & Girls
• Primary school children (ages 5-12)
• Urban
• Low-Income
• Middle-Income

Upload your solution's Theory of Change or Logic Model.

Where would you place your solution on Nesta's Standards of Evidence?

To date, what research/studies has your organization conducted or commissioned that have helped demonstrate the effectiveness of your solution? [300-500 words recommended]

Arukay has strategically engaged in a combination of formative and summative research to establish and continually validate the effectiveness of our educational solutions in coding, computational thinking, and digital skills. Our research efforts are centered around rigorous academic collaborations and various evaluative methodologies that provide a robust evidence base for our teaching methods and curriculum.

Formative Research

Arukay has actively conducted formative research to ensure that our solutions are not only feasible and usable but also tailored to the specific needs and contexts of our target demographics. This research includes:

• User Interviews: We have conducted extensive interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators to gather direct feedback on the usability and impact of our curriculum and teaching methods. These interviews help us understand the user experience and identify areas for improvement.

• Process Evaluations: Our ongoing process evaluations monitor the implementation of our programs in real-time, allowing us to make necessary adjustments to maximize effectiveness. This involves analyzing the deployment of resources, teacher engagement, and student interaction with our learning platforms.

• Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Surveys: We regularly collect NPS data and conduct academic and service surveys to gauge satisfaction and effectiveness. This data provides insights into the perceived value of our program and areas where we can enhance service delivery.

• Tournaments: Arukay organizes coding tournaments across Latin America, which serve as a dynamic platform for applying learned skills in a competitive and collaborative environment. These tournaments not only motivate students but also provide data on how well students are able to use their skills under pressure and in new contexts.

Summative Research

In addition to formative research, Arukay is involved in a significant summative research project—a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), in collaboration with prestigious academic institutions such as Columbia University, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and Fundación Luker. This RCT is designed to rigorously test the effectiveness of our learning system by comparing two different teaching schemas:

• Competitive vs. Collaborative Methods: The RCT aims to determine which of these teaching methods—competitive or collaborative—is more effective in enhancing learning outcomes. This involves randomly assigning students to different teaching environments and measuring a variety of outcomes, including knowledge acquisition, application of skills, and engagement levels.

• Research Partnerships and Validation: The involvement of renowned institutions provides a level of rigor and credibility to our study, ensuring that the findings are scientifically robust and can be trusted by educational stakeholders globally.

This blend of formative and summative research enables Arukay to continuously refine our offerings and substantiate the effectiveness of our educational model. The outcomes of these studies not only help in enhancing our current practices but also contribute to the broader educational discourse on the most effective ways to teach critical digital skills. By demonstrating the impact of our solution through solid research, Arukay is committed to advancing educational practices and outcomes in Latin America.

What has the data collected from the research/studies revealed about your solution and how did it inform your work moving forward? [300-500 words recommended]

The data collected from Arukay's ongoing research and studies has provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of our educational solutions, particularly in coding, computational thinking, and digital skills. These insights are instrumental in shaping our strategies and approaches moving forward.

Key Insights from Data Collection

1. Progress in Learning Outcomes: Real-time reports and analytics made available to all stakeholders—including students, teachers, academic coordinators, and school directors—indicate significant progress in academic achievements and program implementation. The data reveals that students are consistently improving their competencies year over year.

2. Engagement and Learning Paths: The increasing complexity and challenge of the tournaments we organize each year demonstrate that students are learning more quickly than before. The learning paths recommended to schools are becoming more advanced, suggesting that our curriculum needs to evolve continually to meet the increasing capabilities of our students.

3. Feedback on Teaching Methods: Preliminary findings from our large-scale Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), conducted with prestigious partners such as Columbia University, Wharton Business School, and Fundación Luker, aim to provide definitive evidence on which teaching methods—collaborative or competitive—are more effective. This study is crucial as it also explores gender differences in STEM career choices, providing insights into whether our programs influence female students' likelihood to pursue STEM fields.

How This Data Informs Our Work Moving Forward

• Curriculum Development: The feedback and data collected help us refine and expand our curriculum. As students demonstrate quicker learning and higher competencies, Arukay is motivated to introduce more complex topics and innovative teaching methods to continually challenge and engage our students.

• Teaching Strategies: The ongoing RCT will significantly inform our teaching strategies. Depending on the outcomes, we may emphasize either competitive or collaborative learning environments more strongly, or potentially a hybrid approach, tailored to maximize learning outcomes based on empirical evidence.

• Focus on Gender Equality: Initial observations from the RCT regarding the impact of digital skills learning on female students' career choices in STEM will guide us in adjusting our programs to better support gender equality in technology and science fields.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Continuous communication with all stakeholders through our platforms ensures that the feedback loop is efficient and effective. This engagement is vital for the iterative improvement of our programs and for maintaining the relevance and impact of our educational offerings.

• Expansion and Scalability: Armed with rigorous evidence from our studies, Arukay plans to scale our solutions to more regions. We aim to replicate successful teaching models across different educational contexts, thus widening our impact.

In conclusion, the data from our research and studies not only validates the effectiveness of our approach but also drives continuous innovation within our programs. By participating in this challenge, Arukay seeks to further substantiate our Theory of Change and enhance our contribution to educational outcomes across Latin America.

Describe your organization's need to strengthen the evidence base of your solution. [300-500 words recommended]

Our organization is at a pivotal moment where strengthening the evidence base of our educational solution is crucial for its success and scalability. As we seek to expand our impact and reach more learners, the need for robust, data-driven insights to inform and refine our approach is more important than ever. Engaging in a LEAP Project with MIT Solve and the Jacobs Foundation through their LEAP initiative offers a timely opportunity to achieve this.

Currently, while our educational programs have shown promising initial results, a more structured and scientifically rigorous evaluation is necessary to convince stakeholders and secure additional funding/revenew from the sales of our products/services. A LEAP Project would enable us to partner with leading researchers and social entrepreneurs, harnessing their expertise to develop and execute a comprehensive research plan. This collaboration would not only validate our educational model but also help us identify areas for improvement and potential expansion.

The timing is particularly right for engaging in a LEAP Project as the educational landscape is rapidly evolving with technological advancements and changing learner needs. As these dynamics shift, it is imperative that our solutions remain relevant and effective. Participating in LEAP would provide us with the cutting-edge research insights needed to adapt and thrive in this changing environment.

Furthermore, the credibility gained from a strengthened evidence base through LEAP can open new doors for partnership and funding opportunities, thereby ensuring the sustainability and growth of our educational initiatives. This strategic move is essential for scaling our impact and continuing to make a significant difference in the lives of learners.

What are 2-3 research questions that you would like your LEAP Project to help you answer? [100 words recommended]

How effective is our current educational model in improving learning outcomes compared to traditional methods? This question aims to quantify the impact of our approach and identify its strengths/weaknesses in various learning environments. 

What are the key factors that influence the scalability of our solution across different regions and contexts? Understanding these factors will help us tailor our programs to meet diverse needs and maximize reach.

How can technology be better integrated into our solution to enhance learner engagement and retention? This inquiry seeks to explore innovative ways to leverage technology, enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of our educational programs.

What type of research methods do you think will help answer your stated questions? Select all that apply.

• Summative research (e.g. impact evaluations; correlational studies; quasi-experimental studies; randomized control studies)

Please elaborate on your selection above by describing your desired outputs of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint. [300 - 500 words recommended]

Choosing to focus on summative research during the 12-week LEAP Project sprint is pivotal to substantiating the effectiveness of our educational solutions and informing our future strategic decisions. Summative research, including impact evaluations and correlational studies, provides a comprehensive assessment of outcomes and impacts that can validate the success of our programs or highlight necessary adjustments. Given the limited time frame and the expertise of the LEAP Fellows, our desired outputs from this sprint are strategically aimed to maximize actionable insights and enhance our program's credibility and scalability.

*1. Study Designs and Research Frameworks:* 

The first desired output from the LEAP Fellows is the development of robust study designs tailored to our specific educational interventions. This includes creating detailed frameworks for impact evaluations that measure the direct outcomes of our programs on learner achievement and engagement. Given the complexity of educational environments, these study designs should also consider external variables that could affect our outcomes, ensuring that our evaluations accurately reflect the effectiveness of our solutions.

Moreover, correlational studies should be designed to explore relationships between various program elements and learner outcomes. Understanding these correlations will help us identify which components of our programs are most impactful and which may require redesign. These studies need to be adaptable, allowing for future iterations based on initial findings and external feedback.

*2. Strategies for Data Collection and Analysis:*

Another critical output involves strategies for rigorous data collection and analysis. The LEAP Fellows should recommend methodologies that are feasible within our operational context yet robust enough to provide valid and reliable data. This includes selecting appropriate data collection tools and techniques, such as surveys, interviews, observational methods, and digital analytics tools that align with our technological capabilities and programmatic goals.

The analysis strategies recommended should enable us to interpret complex data sets to draw meaningful conclusions about our program's impact. This might include statistical methods for handling large data volumes and techniques for analyzing qualitative data to glean insights into the learner experience and program delivery effectiveness.

*3. Monitoring and Evaluation Tools:*

Finally, the development of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tools is essential. These tools should be designed to not only assess the immediate impacts of our programs but also monitor ongoing performance and outcomes. This continuous evaluation is crucial for maintaining the quality and relevance of our educational solutions over time.

LEAP Fellows should focus on creating or refining existing M&E tools that are user-friendly and integrated into our current systems. These tools should enable regular data collection and feedback loops, allowing for timely adjustments to our programs. The aim is to build an M&E framework that supports sustainable, evidence-based decision-making, enhancing both the immediate impact and long-term viability of our solutions.

How will your organization put these outputs into action? [300-500 words recommended]

Upon receiving the outputs from the LEAP Project sprint, our organization plans to systematically integrate these findings and tools into our operational and strategic frameworks to enhance the efficacy, reach, and scalability of our educational solutions. The following steps outline how we intend to put these outputs into action:

1. Implementation of Research Findings:

First and foremost, we will carefully review the research recommendations, particularly the study designs and correlational findings, to understand the implications for our program design and delivery. Based on these findings, we will make data-driven modifications to our educational models. This might involve adjusting curriculum components, teaching methodologies, or learner engagement strategies to enhance effectiveness based on proven outcomes. Our team will develop a detailed implementation plan, setting clear timelines and responsibilities to ensure these changes are carried out efficiently and effectively.

2. Integration of Data Collection Strategies:

The strategies for data collection recommended by the LEAP Fellows will be integrated into our daily operations. We will train our staff on the new tools and methodologies to ensure consistent and accurate data collection. This training will include best practices in data handling and analysis to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of learner information. By embedding these strategies into our core processes, we aim to establish a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based practice within our organization.

3. Utilization of Monitoring and Evaluation Tools:

The monitoring and evaluation tools developed during the LEAP Project will be critical for ongoing assessment and quality assurance. We will integrate these tools into our existing systems, ensuring that they are user-friendly and provide actionable insights. Regular monitoring using these tools will allow us to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and adjust our strategies in real-time. This ongoing evaluation will not only help in maintaining the effectiveness of our programs but also in reporting to stakeholders and funders, showcasing the impact and sustainability of our initiatives.

4. Dissemination of Findings and Advocacy:

We plan to share the outcomes and successes of the LEAP Project sprint with a broader audience, including stakeholders, potential funders, and the educational community. By disseminating the findings through reports, presentations, and publications, we aim to advocate for evidence-based educational practices and position our organization as a leader in innovative educational solutions. This advocacy is integral to attracting new partnerships, funding, and opportunities for expansion.

5. Long-term Strategic Planning:

Finally, the insights gained from the LEAP Project will inform our long-term strategic planning. The evidence and tools provided will help us to forecast future needs, plan for scaling operations, and allocate resources more effectively. By aligning our strategic goals with evidence-based practices, we can ensure sustainable growth and continued positive impact on our learners.

Describe your desired long-term outcomes of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint for both your organization and solution. [300-500 words recommended]

The desired long-term outcomes of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint are integral to our strategic vision, aiming to significantly enhance both the effectiveness of our educational solutions and the operational excellence of our organization. These outcomes are envisioned to manifest over several years, fundamentally transforming our approach to education and the impact we can achieve.

1. Enhanced Educational Effectiveness and Learner Outcomes:

One of the primary long-term outcomes we anticipate is the marked improvement in the educational effectiveness of our programs. Through the refined study designs and rigorous evaluation frameworks developed during the LEAP sprint, we aim to achieve a deeper understanding of what works (and what doesn’t) in our educational models. This understanding will enable us to implement targeted improvements that directly enhance learner engagement and achievement. We expect to see higher learner satisfaction rates, improved test scores, and greater overall educational attainment among our participants. These improvements will contribute to closing the educational gaps in underserved communities and providing more equitable access to quality education.

2. Increased Organizational Capacity for Evidence-Based Decision Making:

Another crucial long-term outcome is the strengthening of our organization’s capacity for evidence-based decision-making. The strategies and tools developed for data collection, analysis, and monitoring will embed a culture of continuous assessment and adaptation within our team. This will enable us to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges and opportunities, optimizing our resources and maximizing our impact. As a result, our organization will become more agile and resilient, capable of sustaining high performance even as we scale and evolve.

3. Scalability and Expansion of Educational Solutions:

The insights gained from the LEAP sprint are expected to significantly inform our scalability strategies. By identifying the key factors that influence the success and replicability of our programs across different regions and cultural contexts, we can tailor our expansion plans to suit diverse learner needs. This outcome will facilitate a more strategic and effective scaling process, allowing us to reach more learners with our proven solutions. Consequently, our educational impact will grow not just locally but also regionally and potentially globally.

4. Improved Credibility and Stakeholder Engagement:

The improved evidence base and demonstrated effectiveness of our solutions will also enhance our organization's credibility among stakeholders, including funders, educational institutions, and policy makers. This increased credibility is expected to lead to more robust partnerships, greater funding opportunities, and influential advocacy for policy changes that support innovative educational practices. As a result, our ability to influence and collaborate within the educational sector will be significantly enhanced.

5. Long-term Sustainable Impact on Education:

Ultimately, the long-term outcome we seek is a sustainable, lasting impact on the field of education. By implementing evidence-based improvements and scaling effective solutions, we aim to establish new standards of excellence in education that others in the field can adopt. Our goal is to contribute to a broader movement towards more innovative, effective, and inclusive educational practices that adapt to the changing needs of learners and societies.