4 Digital Platforms for Social and Emotional Learning

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which students develop skills necessary to manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others. SEL also helps students establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions. In this blog article, let’s talk about four digital platforms to use for social and emotional learning.

Five Core Competencies in SEL

SEL primarily focuses on five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

• Self-awareness refers to one’s ability to understand their own emotions, strengths, and goals. Additionally, self-awareness also serves as a guide in forming and enriching their values, setting, and working towards goals.
• Self-management refers to the ability to regulate emotions and thoughts, adapt behaviors in different situations, manage stress, and motivate oneself.
• Social awareness means being able to show understanding and empathy for others while recognizing and appreciating diversity.
• Relationship skills involve establishing and maintaining healthy relationships through effective communication and conflict resolution—an important skill that everyone must hone.
• Responsible decision-making refers to one’s ability to make ethical and intentional choices.

The Benefits of SEL

1. Improves Academic Performance
2. Enhances Emotional Intelligence
3. Promotes Positive Behavior
4. Supports Mental Health
5. Prepares for Future Success
6. Fosters an Inclusive and Positive Learning Environment
7. Builds Life Skills

Digital Platforms for Social and Emotional Learning

As technology advances, digital platforms for SEL are becoming increasingly popular. Here are some online platforms that teachers and adult trainers can use to help learners develop their social and emotional skills:

1. Second Step
   Second Step offers research-based, comprehensive social and emotional learning programs designed for learners from early childhood to high school and even for adults. Additional programs include their bullying prevention unit and child protection unit. Various lessons and activities are incorporated to ensure that learners gain empathy, emotional management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
2. ClassDojo
   ClassDojo is another digital platform that assists teachers, parents, and guardians in collaboratively supporting learners’ social and emotional learning journeys. According to their website, ClassDojo champions equal learning opportunities, connection, learning through play, and safety and trust within its community of teachers and families. Additionally, ClassDojo provides its stakeholders with access to various resources such as training, teacher resources, activity corners, and more.
3. ReThink Ed
   ReThink Ed is an evidence-based platform that provides tools for SEL, mental health, and wellness for both learners and educators. They offer video lessons, interactive activities, and assessments covering SEL competencies. For educators, ReThink Ed also provides professional development resources focusing on wellness skills, mental health, diversity, and inclusion, applied behavior analysis, MTSS, and behavior training series.
4. Peekapak
   Driven by their mission to help children succeed, Peekapak is another digital platform focused on SEL. Guided by their core values of practicing what they teach, collaboration, a learner’s mindset, initiative, a passion for education, and a familial work environment, the team behind Peekapak offers SEL solutions for elementary and secondary schools as well as learners with professional developmental goals.

Conclusion

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is crucial for the holistic development of students, equipping them with essential life skills that extend beyond academics. As we continue to navigate an increasingly digital world, platforms like Second Step, ClassDojo, ReThink Ed, and Peekapak are invaluable tools for educators and parents alike. By integrating these resources into daily learning, we can help shape well-rounded individuals who are not only academically capable but also emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and socially aware. Start exploring these digital platforms for social and emotional learning today to support your students’ social and emotional growth.