Socio-Emotional Learning and the EdTech Tools that can Promote it

In today’s educational landscape, the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) cannot be overstated. SEL helps students develop essential skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Integrating technology into SEL can enhance these learning experiences, making them more engaging and effective. This article explores various EdTech tools that can promote social-emotional learning in the classroom.

ClassDojo is a popular classroom management tool that also supports Socio-Emotional Learning. It allows teachers to give real-time feedback on students’ behaviour and participation. Here’s how ClassDojo promotes SEL:

• Positive Reinforcement: Teachers can award points for positive behaviours such as teamwork, persistence, and empathy. This encourages students to develop and practice these skills.
• Student Portfolios: Students can create and share digital portfolios, reflecting on their learning experiences and personal growth.
• Parent Engagement: ClassDojo connects teachers with parents, fostering a supportive community around the student’s social-emotional development.

Second Step is a comprehensive Socio-Emotional Learning program that provides a range of resources for educators. It includes lessons, activities, and digital tools designed to teach SEL skills. Key features include:

• Interactive Lessons: Second Step offers engaging, age-appropriate lessons that cover various SEL topics such as empathy, emotion management, and problem-solving.
• Digital Resources: The program includes videos, games, and interactive activities that make learning about emotions and relationships fun and engaging.
• Assessment Tools: Teachers can use assessment tools to measure students’ progress in developing SEL skills.

Emotional ABCs is an online program designed to help young children understand and manage their emotions. It provides interactive lessons and activities that teach emotional literacy and Socio-Emotional Learning. Highlights include:

• Emotion Recognition: The program helps children identify and label their emotions, an essential first step in emotional regulation.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Emotional ABCs teaches children strategies for managing difficult emotions and resolving conflicts.
• Engaging Content: The use of animations, games, and interactive exercises keeps young learners engaged and motivated.

Peekapak is an Socio-Emotional Learning platform that combines literacy with social-emotional learning. It offers story-based lessons that teach SEL skills through engaging narratives. Key features include:

• Storytelling Approach: Peekapak uses stories to introduce SEL concepts, making them relatable and easy to understand for students.
• Interactive Activities: The platform includes activities and discussions that reinforce the lessons learned from the stories.
• Family Engagement: Peekapak provides resources for parents to continue SEL learning at home, creating a cohesive learning experience.

Headspace is a popular app designed to help users improve their mental health through meditation and mindfulness practices in the area of Socio-Emotional Learning. Here are some key features:

1. Guided Meditations: Headspace offers a variety of guided meditations to help users manage stress, improve focus, and enhance sleep quality.
2. Mindfulness Tools: The app includes tools for mindful movement, focus exercises, and sleepcasts to aid relaxation and better sleep.
3. Mental Health Coaching: Users can access mental health coaching to receive personalised support and guidance.
4. User-Friendly Interface: The app is designed to be easy to use, making it accessible for beginners and experienced meditators alike.

Headspace aims to make mental health support accessible to everyone, helping users create life-changing habits for a healthier, happier life.

Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame is a mobile app available on Android and Apple. It is designed for young children. It uses familiar Sesame Street characters to teach problem-solving and emotional regulation skills for greater development in Socio-Emotional Learning. Highlights include:

• Interactive Scenarios: The app presents children with common challenges and guides them through the steps of breathing, thinking, and doing to resolve the issue.
• Engaging Characters: The use of beloved Sesame Street characters makes learning about emotions and problem-solving fun and relatable for young children.
• Parental Involvement: The app includes tips and strategies for parents to support their children’s social-emotional development at home.

Mood Meter is an app developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. It helps students identify and track their emotions throughout the day. Key features include:

• Emotion Tracking: Students can log their emotions using the app, helping them become more aware of their emotional states.
• Reflection and Strategies: The app provides strategies for managing emotions and encourages students to reflect on their feelings.
• Data Insights: Teachers can use the data collected by the app to understand their students’ emotional well-being and provide targeted support.

Rethink Ed is an educational platform that combines technology and research to provide comprehensive solutions for academic, behavioral, and socio-emotional learning (SEL). Here are some key features:

Rethink Ed offers a multi-tiered SEL curriculum aligned with CASEL standards. This curriculum includes assessments and resources to help students develop important social-emotional skills. The platform provides evidence-based mental health curricula designed to promote mental wellness among students. This includes resources for both students and educators.

Rethink Ed offers tools for behavior intervention, including assessments, interventions, and progress monitoring. These tools help manage challenging behaviors and support positive behavior development. The platform includes digital, scalable professional learning solutions for educators. Courses cover topics such as social-emotional wellness, mental health, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and special education best practices. The platform provides a comprehensive K-12 program with interactive, standards-aligned lessons in core subjects like Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies.

Rethink Ed aims to create healthy and successful learning communities by addressing the diverse needs of students and educators.

Integrating EdTech tools into social-emotional learning can significantly enhance students’ development of essential life skills. Tools like ClassDojo, Second Step, Emotional ABCs, Peekapak, Mind Yeti, Rethink Ed, Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame, Mood Meter, 7 Mindsets, and Sanford Harmony offer diverse approaches to teaching SEL. By leveraging these tools, educators can create a supportive and engaging learning environment that promotes students’ social and emotional well-being. Most importantly, these apps and tools can be utilised in a way to help the student maintain their own mental wellbeing. This aspect of teaching and empowering students to manage their own wellbeing is of crucial long-term importance and developing another aspect of lifelong learning.