Watch How We’re Building Technology That Transforms Classrooms

Research shows that positive teacher-student connections drive a stronger sense of self, a greater ability to learn and the potential for better life outcomes. Yet, teachers face many challenges to building meaningful connections with their students, such as scarce time and lack of resources.

In response to these challenges, our education team is building research on student learning and human development. They then apply the insights and learnings to build tools in partnership with educators, researchers, and students that help drive student connection and learning.

An example of this work is Along, an education technology tool that makes it easier for teachers to meaningfully connect with each student.

Along allows teachers to choose from a selection of research-backed reflection questions ― or to create their own prompt to draw out students’ interests or thoughts on important classroom topics. Teachers can send the prompt to specific students or the entire classroom. Each student can then choose how and when they want to respond, via audio, video, or text. These connections help teachers get to know their students on a deeper level, so students feel seen and motivated to participate and learn.

Watch the video above to learn more about how our education technology team builds tools like Along that help teachers enhance student learning and foster connection.