By Dillion Scott
Have you, as a student, ever felt the need to reach out to faculty about an issue anonymously? Many students at Tri-C have. Whether it’s suggesting improvements for Tri-C as a whole or providing legitimate feedback on a classmate or professor. Worry no more as there is now a program designed to address such concerns effectively: Explorance Blue.
Explorance Blue is a new tool implemented by Tri-C to allow students to voice concerns that might be better addressed without their names attached. Professors at Tri-C plan to use this program to the fullest advantage. One such Professor is Staci Osborn, who shared her thoughts on the program:
“Any evaluation process can be helpful to students and teachers… It allows teachers to learn from students what is working and what isn’t, so they can improve their teaching from one semester to the next.” Professor Osborn along with others will be able to use feedback through the program and improve students’ experience in future semesters. “Without that feedback, teachers can’t work to improve their classes, and students will continue to get the same experience, good or bad.”
Due to the anonymity of Explorance Blue, students will not be penalized for giving more negative criticism. This encourages more honest feedback without the fear of embarrassment or personal repercussions. Tri-C students are fully embracing this program. Student Maryam Yakout shares her perspective:
“It could be helpful for those who face social anxiety and wish to present the problems they’ve encountered at Tri-C in a way that is comfortable for them.”
Minor feedback is not the only use for Explorance Blue. While it may be rare, there have been cases where a professor may abuse their authority in the classroom. In such situations, Explorance Blue can be used to allow students to report misconduct without compromising their safety or risking retaliation.
Both students and professors alike see the promising potential of Explorance Blue. If it is successful, perhaps Explorance Blue can make its way to other districts as well, helping to provide an enhanced school experience for all.
