Planet B-612 is dedicated to transforming teachers into mentors for their fellow students. Teachers forge connections among their students over months or years of teaching, often expressing the desire to ‘stay connected.’ However, the reality is that only students with internal motivation to email or communicate professionally on social media truly remain in touch. The world is not designed for introverted students who may hesitate to initiate conversations, even with trusted teachers.
This app aims to alleviate the stress of initial connections. Right after the last class, the teacher shares a QR code containing information about the class. Students who scan it can ‘request a meeting’ or send a message (in specific cases) to the teacher twice a year (a parameter configurable by the teacher). This approach ensures that students need not worry about not having contacted the teacher earlier or sent holiday greetings. While sharing the QR code, teachers announce that students can now book a meeting whenever they wish.
When a student requests a meeting, a calendar is shared, and booking becomes possible. One unique feature of this tool is the rewards for mentees. These rewards are connections that the mentor can share if the mentee desires. For example, a student in a rural area aspiring to attend Harvard may have been taught by someone from Teach for America. After completing a course, they can connect with the teacher for guidance on university applications. The mentor can then share a contact who is currently at Harvard, providing the student access to a more relevant mentor on that particular topic.
This entire concept is encapsulated by the quote from ‘The Little Prince’ book: ‘You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.'”
