How can I provide feedback to Learners?

One-Way Feedback Strategies: How to Gather and Use Learner Feedback

Overview

Edovo's mission is to deliver impactful educational and rehabilitative programming to incarcerated learners. A common question we receive from content providers is: How can I hear directly from the learners using my content?

While we currently enable one-way communication with learners, we recognize the strong interest in creating deeper engagement through two-way communication. This article outlines the challenges, current capabilities, and ways you can already gather meaningful feedback — plus our ongoing efforts to expand what's possible.


Why Two-Way Communication is Complex in Corrections

While two-way communication between content providers and learners is technically feasible, it faces significant barriers within correctional environments:

Key Challenges:

  • Security & Monitoring Concerns: Correctional agencies must carefully regulate all communication channels. Many are hesitant to approve new messaging streams without advanced monitoring tools to ensure safety and compliance.

  • Tablet Provider Limitations: The major tablet providers who operate inside facilities (often managing phone, messaging, and video communication) are protective of their communication services. They are cautious about introducing additional communication channels that are not integrated into their existing security frameworks.


Our Commitment: Working Toward Two-Way Communication

We are actively collaborating with the largest telecommunications and tablet providers in U.S. corrections, to explore secure and responsible ways to enable two-way communication for educational purposes.

These conversations are ongoing and will take time, as they require careful planning, technical integration, and policy alignment with facility partners.


Current Solution: One-Way Communication with Learners

While we work toward long-term solutions, we currently support one-way communication streams that still offer valuable feedback opportunities for providers.

How it Works:

  1. Content providers can embed questions, surveys, or reflection prompts into their courses.

  2. Learners submit responses directly through the Edovo platform.

  3. Providers can access these de-identified learner responses through the Premium Analytics Dashboard (optional upgrade).


How You Can Gather and Use Learner Feedback Today

Option 1: Premium Analytics Dashboard

By upgrading to the Premium Analytics Dashboard, content providers can:

  • View de-identified learner responses.

  • Filter responses by unique learner-generated numbers to track patterns without compromising privacy.

  • Export data for further analysis, reporting, or program improvement. (For full list of Premium Analytics Dashboard Features, click here)

Option 2: Direct Outreach (Optional)

  • Providers may also include a P.O. Box or email address within the course for learners to contact them directly.

  • However, be prepared for high response volumes and ensure you have the capacity to manage this responsibly.

  • Set clear expectations regarding what learners can expect when reaching out.

Option 3: Create Newsletters or Support Articles (Optional)

  • Collect common themes, questions, and suggestions from learner responses.

  • Use these insights to create newsletters, learning tips, or support articles addressing frequently asked questions.

  • Publish these materials on the Edovo platform (if applicable) or through other approved distribution channels to provide additional value and support to learners.

Conclusion

While enabling true two-way communication inside correctional facilities is challenging, you can gather rich, actionable learner feedback using our existing one-way system, combined with tools like the Premium Analytics Dashboard and direct outreach methods.

We encourage providers to also consider creating learner-centered newsletters and support content to respond to common questions and continue building meaningful connections with learners.

Info
Contact content@edovo.org to learn about premium analytics dashboards.


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