Strategies for connecting with incarcerated learners
Edovo doesn’t support direct messaging between content providers and learners. While you can’t message learners directly through Edovo, you can gather thoughtful, real responses—and respond in meaningful ways. Here’s how to build an intentional feedback loop that honors both security and connection.
You can’t message learners directly through Edovo—but you can still hear from them.
Quiz, survey, and reflection responses can be collected and reviewed on a premium analytics dashboard.
You can create learner-facing newsletters or tips based on common themes to create a publishing loop.
If you're wondering why you can’t just write learners a message or respond to their reflections, here’s the short version: corrections is a tightly controlled environment.
Key reasons:
Security & monitoring. All communication must be monitored, and new channels require approval. Many agencies aren’t ready to greenlight education-specific messaging until those monitoring systems are in place.
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.
Edovo already gives you several ways to gather meaningful feedback—even if it’s one-way for now. You can embed prompts, review learner responses, and use that insight to adapt your content or create fresh materials that respond to what learners are telling you.
You can include:
Multiple choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank questions—graded automatically if you set them to check correctness
Open-ended reflections—optionally scored and supported by our machine learning feedback tools
Surveys—great for post-course reflections or learner voice
These response tools let you hear directly from the people engaging with your content—without violating security protocols.
Want to see the actual responses? That’s where the Premium Analytics Dashboard comes in.
With this optional upgrade, you’ll gain access to:
De-identified learner responses (no names, just ID numbers)
The ability to filter and spot trends in engagement
Exportable data for grants, reports, or improving your content
Curious if this is right for you? Click here to learn more about the premium dashboard features.
You’re welcome to include a P.O. Box or email address in your content if you’d like learners to reach out.
But a few caveats:
You’ll likely get a lot of letters—make sure you’re prepared.
Set expectations: what kind of response will they get? When?
This is an optional step, and not required for Edovo content.
One great way to acknowledge learner feedback—even without replying directly—is to create content in response to what you’re seeing.
If multiple learners mention the same confusion, comment, or idea, turn that into:
A follow-up newsletter
A support article
A short course update or tip sheet
Important note: Each new item you publish through this process will go through Edovo’s standard screening and review. To meet platform guidelines, please avoid mentioning currently incarcerated individuals by name. Instead, use general phrasing like “a learner from Illinois” or “James in State.” This helps protect learner privacy while still honoring their voice.
You won’t find a messaging tool on Edovo—but that doesn’t mean learners can’t talk to you. Through embedded prompts, premium dashboards, and thoughtful follow-up content, you can still build a relationship rooted in listening, reflection, and responsiveness.