Become Unmistakable creates platform to strengthen connections between teachers and students as they learn virtually

Technology and training company Become Unmistakable is releasing Student uMap, a platform designed for educators and students to help students connect to each other and their teachers in the new "COVID classroom."

It allows students to safely share their enthusiasm and concerns while providing a platform for their teachers to track social and emotional health through the pandemic and beyond.

"When learning in a virtual or socially-distanced classroom, human connection becomes diluted," said Danielle Bouwhuis, uMap manager and former 7th grade science teacher. "And although students can learn mathematics and language arts through online games or video conferencing, they are deprived of personal interactions with teachers and peers that help form healthy, long-lasting habits and behaviors."

When developing the Student uMap, Become Unmistakable interviewed clients and educators from a variety of grade levels and school districts to identify the most common thoughts and concerns on teaching during the pandemic.

Reporting features identify kids who may be struggling and privately collects information about personal worries; helping teachers connect emotionally with their students from a distance.

The goal of the Student uMap is to ease these common pains and frustrations of COVID in the classroom.

"We've seen that technology like Zoom or Microsoft Teams are great tools for making connection possible, yet not necessarily meaningful," Bouwhuis said. "But to succeed, schools need to make sure they are utilizing technology that focuses on the relational/humanistic approach to learning, versus just the transactional. And that's exactly why we developed this software — to establish meaningful connections and make sure students and teachers feel engaged and heard."

For more information about this news, visit www.myumap.com.