Translated from: https://giaoduc.edu.vn/hoc-he-tai-nha-phu-huynh-quay-lung-voi-lo-luyen-chon-giai-phap-online/
HO CHI MINH CITY – As summer arrives, the worry that children will "play and forget their knowledge" is no longer the only pressure. Many parents in major cities are now more concerned about how to ensure their children have a truly meaningful summer that is not overwhelming but still equips them with the necessary tools for the future. Against this backdrop, the trend of online summer learning, focusing on skills rather than rote memorization, is emerging as a compelling solution.
The Invisible Burden of the 'Third Semester'
Every year at the end of May, Ms. Thu Ha (District 7, HCMC) feels like she is entering a new "battle." "Finding a suitable summer class for my child is even harder than choosing a school. I'm afraid to send him to centers because he's already exhausted from the long school year. But letting him stay home all day with the TV and iPad isn't a good option either," Ms. Ha shared.
Ms. Ha's sentiment reflects the mindset of a large segment of modern parents. The concept of an effective summer is no longer limited to tutoring in Math, Physics, Chemistry, or handwriting practice. The burden of the "third semester" is now being viewed from a more profound perspective.
Firstly, there is the invisible psychological pressure on children. After a long academic year, children need a real break to regenerate their physical and mental energy. Forcing them into a dense learning schedule right in the summer can lead to burnout, diminishing their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for exploration – foundational elements of creativity.
Secondly, there is skepticism about the actual effectiveness. Many traditional summer classes still follow the "cramming" method, mechanically repeating old knowledge. This might help children not to forget lessons, but it fails to cultivate critical thinking or problem-solving skills for new issues, which are more crucial competencies in a rapidly changing world.
Finally, in addition to the pressure on children, the financial burden and the time required for transportation are significant obstacles for parents. Mr. Quoc Minh (District 3, HCMC) calculated that the cost for three summer months of Math, Vietnamese, and English could amount to tens of millions of VND. "Not to mention, my wife and I are both busy, so arranging for someone to take our child to and from classes every day is a real challenge," Mr. Minh said.
Solutions from Modern Learning Models
Capturing this demand, the education market has introduced many flexible summer learning models, with online courses at home focusing on 21st-century skills being a standout. These are the four core competencies considered the "key" for the future generation, including: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration.
To cultivate these skills, Project-Based Learning (PBL) is seen as the key. Unlike one-way knowledge absorption, PBL places the learner at the center, assigning them projects and real-world problems to solve.
One of the pioneering organizations applying this model is TechTrain. With its Project-Based Learning method, the program helps children aged 5-15 turn ideas into real products in fields like programming, AI, game design, and mobile applications.
Instead of learning abstract theories, students engage in hands-on projects such as building their own reminder app, designing a 3D game world, or training an AI to recognize images. This process of exploration, debugging, and product refinement helps children develop and maximize their 4C skills in the most natural way.
Benefits Beyond the Screen

Notably, the value that these online summer courses bring extends beyond just technological knowledge.
One of the biggest benefits is foreign language proficiency. Most high-quality programs are taught in English by international teachers. Children are immersed in an academic English environment naturally. Learning and using technological terms in a practical context turns a foreign language into a tool rather than a daunting subject.
Furthermore, the flexibility of the online model completely relieves parents of the transportation burden. The class schedule can be arranged around family trips and activities, ensuring the child has a balanced summer vacation. It even opens up opportunities for parents to accompany and witness their child creating products and to better understand the digital world their child is engaging with.
It is clear that the definition of a rewarding summer is changing. It is no longer a race for scores, but a journey of nurturing skills and sparking passion. Choosing a suitable summer program where children can learn future skills in a comfortable and inspiring environment right at home is a worthy investment for the future generation of global citizens.
To learn more and register for your child, please contact:
- Website: techtrainasia.com
- Hotline/Zalo: 089 932 7527 - 070 387 8040
- Learning Format: Online from anywhere