We are relaunching Synth into 2021 and the future with a new focus: Connection with intention.
History
Synth launched in 2018 as a student podcasting platform and enjoyed much success in encouraging student identity and expression through voice. Now, in the wake of a chaotic 2020, we at Swivl have developed a new mission for all Swivl products: To scale coaching in education, using technology.
In support of this new mission, we have developed a new framework called the Coaching Construct based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Synth will focus on meeting the need of fostering connections and boosting esteem.
What Problems Do We Solve?
Over the last year, educators and students have adapted to circumstances unimaginable. Educators are feeling isolated and lost, trust has been tested, relationships need to be strengthened, and education as a whole is at a turning point.
Connections & Esteem
As of November 2020, 60% of educators enjoyed their job less than the previous year, and 27% of educators are now considering leaving the profession or taking a leave of absence. Our education system is in a crisis that should not be ignored; we have to intervene and rebuild the trust that was broken down along the way.
With the COVID-19 pandemic closing school doors and forcing a 180-shift to full remote learning, combined with the back and forth of hybrid learning decisions, educators and students feel isolated and broken down. We need to make connections personal again, and not just through a scheduled video call. We need to be intentional.
Developing connections through structured conversations can foster relationships to create a sense of belonging and community. These conversations go to that deeper level to boost esteem– they are the warm-fuzzy conversations when you truly feel like you have made a deeper connection with another human. Bring the human qualities back to relationships.
These intentional conversations deepen connections in your classrooms and schools.
Intentional Coaching
What do these deep-level, esteem-boosting connections look like? To sum it up in one word: coaching.
Coaching is teaching through relationships.
Although not necessarily a new idea to the world of education, coaching is the antidote to the transactional interactions educators and students often have in schools.
In order to connect intentionally, coaching needs to become transformational.
Transactional → Transformational
A culture of intentional coaching strengthens relationships. With purposeful and directed conversations, connections become strong, and boundaries will be broken down to encourage a culture of openness. Here, sharing imperfections and failures is welcomed, and constructive feedback is second nature.
The NEW Synth
With a refocused goal to be a tool that allows you to connect with intention, how exactly have we updated Synth?
User Experience: We have created a dramatically simpler interface for our users that focuses on ease of use. We’ve prioritized your experience to save you time.
Privacy: Valuing privacy first, we now operate with moderation mode as the default.
Channels: A secure space for you to start and listen to conversations. Channels can take the form of individual coaching conversations or group coaching chats. Channels are flexible to meet your needs.
Threads and Comments: Feedback made easy. Respond to continue the conversation in your secure Channel with threads or comments.
Extended Recording Time: Intentional coaching can take time, so we have extended the recording time of synths to 30 minutes.
Use Cases
With Synth, your whole school benefits:
- Educators connect with colleagues, administrators, or students and foster a sense of belonging and build esteem.
- Administrators encourage and support staff and students, and build stronger relationships.
- Students get the coaching they need from teachers, administrators and peers to help them grow.
For even more ideas on how to use Synth in your school, read:
9 Ways for Educators to Use Synth with Students
9 Ways for Educators to Use Synth with Educators
The Beginning
With the relaunch of Synth into the world of education, we are standing strong by our focus: Connection with intention. Make time for coaching conversations that deepen the connections and build esteem in your class and school. These relationships formed, create a culture of intentional connections.
Make the time to connect with intention.
This is just the beginning for Synth. We’re excited to continue to bring you tools and features in our product that empower our educators to make deeper connections in schools and districts.
