Understanding Student Voices During Natural Disasters with AI

In the wake of last week's hurricane, EdSights engaged with thousands of students across various campuses using our AI-powered platform, which helps colleges stay connected with students during critical moments. The insights EdSights gathered offer a glimpse into the real-time concerns and needs of students during natural disasters.

Key Findings:

• Safety and Confusion: Many students expressed uncertainty about school closures and safety measures, as reflected in messages like, "Do we have off for the hurricane?" This highlights the critical need for clear and timely communication between institutions and students, particularly during crises.

"I have been without power since last Friday because of the hurricane and I'm falling behind on my school work because I can't charge my laptop. It depends on if the electricity is restored soon and I can catch up. It's a black out in my city."

• ‍Mental Health and Emotional Support: Our platform captured a mix of anxiety and resilience. Students shared concerns about their futures and the well-being of their peers, with one writing, "Hope everyone achieves their dreams and goals through these difficult times." This reinforces the importance of fostering emotional support networks during emergencies.

"I'm having difficulties  because of Hurricane Helene. Troubles may last maybe a week to a month."

• ‍Distractions and Humor: Interestingly, students also used humor and lighter conversations, like engaging in "Emoji Karaoke 🎤" to manage the stress, showing how non-academic interactions can provide comfort during challenging times.

"Love you Stormin"

‍How Institutions Took Action:

Institutions leveraged EdSights to check in with students at scale during the hurricane, even in times of power outages. By using AI to act on student voices, colleges were able to quickly identify those impacted, provide real-time support, and offer targeted resources to those in need. Below are two examples of how our platform supported institutions during this critical time.

‍

Use Case 1: Ensuring Clear Communication with AI: Colleges utilized our platform to send timely updates about campus operations, keeping students informed about closures and safety protocols. This example showcases a campaign where EdSights provided students with real-time information, ensuring everyone was aware of important updates.

‍

‍

‍Use Case 2: Checking In and Connecting Students to Resources: In this instance, colleges used EdSights to identify students in need. By checking in with them, staff were able to connect those facing challenges—like power outages or food shortages—to relevant resources. In some cases, staff followed up directly with students requiring additional support.

‍

Empathetic Engagement When It Matters Most

By tapping into the voices of students during this hurricane, EdSights reinforced the importance of consistent, empathetic engagement. At EdSights, we continue to innovate in using AI to capture the pulse of student needs, ensuring their voices are heard—especially when it matters most.

‍