Only 12% of college students feel that they really belong on their college campus and 44% of students report feelings of depression. Yellowdig, a company that creates virtual learning communities, is working to create supportive spaces for students where they can be “part of the social fabric of their institution.” Through a virtual platform, the company provides students with learning opportunities, and tailored support services.

Yellowdig transforms learning spaces into 24/7 communities. To date, there are over half a million students participating in the Yellowdig’s platform — including students from large, public universities, community colleges, small colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Hispanic Serving Institutions. Of those students participating, 77% stated that Yellowdig increased their sense of belonging at their institution, while 60% reported visiting Yellowdig’s site 3-5 times per week or more to contribute to the virtual conversation.

Yellowdig uses an inquiry-based approach to promote deeper learning and discussions. This approach creates a peer-driven learning experience, while reducing faculty effort through “gameful practices.” The Yellowdig platform includes 24/7 conversations, mentoring and peer learning, real-world examples, simulations and case studies. All of these efforts are focused on producing deeper learning. Students can find other students with similar interests and connect with and support one another. For example, a mature student who is returning to college can connect with other mature students who have like experiences, receiving advice and peer-mentoring that leads to a sense of belonging and the likelihood of finishing their degree.

The difference between Yellowdig and learning management systems (LMSs) is that it operates more like social media and makes more sense to students. For example, it features hashtags (#) and the ability to mention (@) others in conversations.

According to an independent study conducted by Arizona State University researchers, behaviors encouraged by Yellowdig’s platform were associated with better academic results, and the majority of participants achieved their goals in courses. Researchers at the University of Tampa also found that Yellowdig promoted increased satisfaction and connection, stating: “Initial findings across multiple courses suggest that instructors can leverage the gameful experience and social media like engagement to foster critical connections and increase course satisfaction.” Student participants in the University of Tampa study liked how the platform encouraged increased participation and felt that the platform made the community more positive. A minority of students found posting unnatural because one receives points for the interactions. However, the vast majority of students felt comfortable posting and noted that they felt less alone having the community.

Yellowdig’s CEO and founder, Shaunak Roy, started the company in 2014. As social media technologies were becoming more popular, he saw an opportunity to leverage this idea of social sharing through technology, but he wanted to foster the sharing of academic ideas and knowledge. While creating Yellowdig, Roy reflected on his own college days (he went to undergrad at IIT Bombay, and did postgraduate work at MIT), realizing that he learned as much from his peers as he did from his professors. According to Roy, “Some of the bonds he created with his peers lasted well beyond those formative years, and morphed into lifelong friendships.” He sees Yellowdig’s platform as “a guide on the side.”

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