student feedback

It encouraged me to think more critically and listen carefully to opposing viewpoints. The back-and-forth helped me practice explaining my reasoning respectfully and clearly, even when I disagreed. Overall, it made me feel more confident discussing complex issues because I realized productive dialogue isn’t about winning an argument—it’s about understanding perspectives and building thoughtful responses.

Guide’s approach felt like an ideal classroom discussion: they asked thoughtful follow-up questions, encouraged nuance, challenged assumptions, and helped me reflect on my biases. It wasn’t about getting the “right” answer, but about thinking critically and thoroughly exploring the topic.

I have never openly discussed immigration issues with a stranger. I felt comfortable given the time to come up with respectful arguments that gave good educated points rather than strongly heated opinions.

It was much more civil, thought out, and logical! It felt like I was talking to another well-reasoned person rather than shouting against a brick-wall lol.

Interestingly, we turned out to have the same view, we just expressed it slightly differently. I suppose a lesson I could learn from this is that although someone might be on the opposite side of an issue at the surface level, their underlying motivations could be the same as mine, which makes finding common ground even more important.

I liked conversing on Sway because it allowed me to actually read and internalized my partner's perspective. If we had been in person, I think I would have been less likely to listen as closely and more likely to focus on what I would say next. I also liked that guide was there to moderate. It gave me some good questions to think about that directly tied to what my partner and I were saying.

This Sway chat actually boosted my confidence in discussing complex issues with people who hold different views. Going back and forth with someone who defended egoism forced me to clarify my own reasoning, anticipate counterarguments, and respond more calmly and clearly. It showed me I can stay respectful and focused on ideas, not just opinions, which makes me feel much more capable of handling debates on tough topics.

Guide is very firm and direct and "all knowing" like my mom, sometimes making me nervous but honestly everyone needs something to ground them, this lil AI dude is growing on me even tho weve had our odds

It was very comforting to have a nice back and forth with someone despite our differences. It gave me confidence to try to find common ground with people I may think I disagree with. We likely have more in common than I’d realize!

I thoroughly enjoyed discussing different view points and found myself completely immersed in their side. Our chat was straightforward and clear, allowing me to clearly understand the other viewpoints to the issue. By the end of it, I found myself agreeing with a lot of ideas my partner expressed.

It helped me understand that even when someone disagrees with you, there are still fundamental truths that we can agree on to help establish a common ground.

I really enjoyed using the Sway chat because it made me feel more confident expressing my beliefs. It was also nice to have a conversation back and forth over time because I didn't feel rushed and could better compose my thoughts. Lastly, I felt like I could keep arguing my point of view without backing down, as my partner was nice, understanding, and would listen to my points and answer back even though we had diffrent views. I like discussing this way a lot more.

i felt very confident in my argument and i didn't feel the need to shy away or hide my opinion because i felt like it was a safe space even though we disagreed.

It helped me test my own reasoning and find weak points in my own arguments. It also helped me review what is being said by being able to slow their argument down since its a chat therefore allowing me to make a sure I address every question and concern that was brought up. Overall it felt extremely productive.

We had guide to help probe us and make us think deeper. It is easy to fall into group think, but guide helped challenge us and helped us to see different aspects of the conversation than we ever would have thought of on our own, and you don't get that in a classroom setting.

Gave me a safe space to refute, ask questions and express any confusion or ideas I had without judgement or tension. As well as facilitate further research and hearing a different point of view which resulted in more learning and understanding.

It actually made me feel more confident. It helped me practice staying calm, explaining my points clearly, and responding to someone who disagreed without getting frustrated. It showed me I can have a real conversation about complex issues even when the other person sees things differently.

Communicating with someone who has a different view than yourself on Sway is quite different from a traditional classroom discussion as it allows you to explain your perspective without fear of judgment or retaliation from those who don't share your opinions. Seeing as though Sway doesn't involve any face-to-face interactions, I feel as though I am able to comfortably share my thoughts, filter-free -- which is something that I feel wouldn't happen as organically in an in-person setting.

It made me more confident to discuss issues where I might have a different view. It was a safe space to discuss opposing views while ensuring both parties are respecting one another. I liked how the sway chat kept on generating questions to follow up on the topic as it helped spark new ideas to discuss about.

Conversing with a partner on Sway is quite beneficial as it allows me to freely and confidently share my opinions without fear of judgment. This significantly differs from my experience participating in classroom discussions, as being face-to-face can hinder individuals from feeling comfortable sharing their thoughts, especially when discussing highly contested topics.

It definitely increased my confidence. Hearing [my partner]'s challenges helped me think more critically about my own arguments and express them more clearly. I feel more prepared now to have respectful discussions on difficult topics with people who disagree with me.

It was awesome! I loved having time to think about my response and thoroughly understand my partner's. That isn't as easy in person and often there isn't enough time for this in class.

I loved this because when the conversation died down and I struggled coming up with a new question, Guide was there to influence a new subject oe challenge an existing one. It was very well done and I appreciate the process it took us through.

It made me feel more confident because I had to explain my reasoning clearly and respond to a different viewpoint without getting defensive. It helped me practice staying respectful while still standing by my argument.

It made me more confident to stand on my view without backing down or starting to argue in a very emotional way, and it gave me time to think about my response. I loved it

Talking on Sway feels different from a classroom discussion because I have a little more time to think about what I want to say and read what others wrote before responding. In a classroom it can feel rushed or intimidating to speak up, but on Sway I feel more comfortable expressing my ideas. At the same time, I miss the instant back-and-forth and body language you get in person. Overall it’s been a good way to share my thoughts without the pressure of speaking out loud.

The chat was engaging and made me think more deeply about different perspectives on ethical egoism. I loved being able to see both sides of the argument and understand how self-interest can be viewed in both positive and negative ways.

I honestly think it increased my confidence in discussing complex issues. The notes Guide gave [my partner] conveyed to me that it's important to be wary of the language one uses in discussing to avoid broad generalizations.

I think completing this Sway Chat improved my confidence in discussing complex issues with people who hold differing opinions significantly, as it forced me to speak my mind, hold my ground, and respond to opposing views with tact.

I definitely found myself questioning my original statement and my confidence was negatively affected. However, getting to discuss important topics like feminism with guide’s question really made me think and helped me see my classmates perspective in the end.

Being able to have conversations across difference on Sway is immensely different from my experience participating in classroom discussion as it allows both parties to share their honest opinions without fear of being judged or attacked. I find this platform to be quite beneficial in allowing me to share my perspective, while also gaining new insights that I might not have considered before.

I felt more open to expressing myself freely than I would've speaking out loud in the classroom. My chat partner was very respectful, which also helped with this. I also think writing down my answers allowed me to review and refine them before sharing, which helped my answers reflect my feelings more truly.

It made me feel more confident discussing complex issues because I had to explain my views clearly while also understanding someone else’s perspective.

I prefer talking on Sway compared to participating in class discussions because with sway I feel like I have enough time to think and don't feel pressured to just say the first thing that comes to minds. I also feel more comfortable discussing my opinions without feeling judged.

It made me more confident in having thoughtful conversations and finding common ground even when views differ.

I loved practicing rephrasing their response and adding a comment to it, including a personal experience. This has been so cool to see how we could connect and agree on the foundational virtues that we both value.

Having to play Devil's advocate forced me to think about the arguments that could be presented by the other side and assess their validity. The difficulty I had in coming up with arguments for the other side reinforced my confidence in my original opinion.

it allowed me to gain confidence in discussing complex issues with people who hold different views from me, it also allowed me to gain a wider perspective and be more open to listening and acknowledging opposing views.

I really enjoyed chatting with my partner. I feel as though he expanded his thoughts in a positive and useful manner as the conversation progressed and ended up bringing up great points to show that the answer is not one that should be objective (while i still side with my original opinion the same way). Guide was quite helpful and proposed intelligent segways to mix-up the conversation. Great application to get the brain going!

It definitely helped me understand the topic from a different point of view. It was helpful seeing ideas on why someone else has a different opinion and why that is. And Sway Guide was very helpful in keeping the conversation going.

Guide’s approach felt more structured and reflective compared to regular classroom discussions. In class, conversations can move quickly, and sometimes it’s hard for everyone to share their thoughts in depth. With Guide, the questions really made me think more critically about my opinions and helped keep the discussion balanced and focused. It also felt easier to express my ideas clearly without the pressure of speaking in front of a group.

I liked Guide’s approach a lot! It helped me think more about both the pros and cons of de-extinction in a way that felt organized and easy to follow. The questions helped keep the conversation on track and made me go deeper with my answers. It actually felt more focused than some classroom discussions where people don’t always stay on topic or everyone doesn’t get to speak.

It felt like a safe space to bring up ideas and have them discussed without judgement. I feel like we both made fair points and my vision of the question expanded.

Sway chat increased my confidence when arguing with someone who has different views by providing guidance as to how to efficiently speak with them.

Guide is a cool AI that is able to synthesize points and challenge each party separately. I also like that you can ask guide mid conversation what similarities of opinion and differences it picks up on to keep diving deeper into discussion. Fascinating experience that could very well help people in communication.

I think that Sway allowed me to talk people in my class that I would not normally have a discussion with. I liked chatting with [my partner] because he had a different perspective on this topic than I did and it was interesting to talk about it. Also, I think that it gave me a better perspective on the topic.

Guide really made the debate flow more smoothly and kept us on track, which doesn’t always happen in class. It also helped me know what to say next, so it was easier for me than regular classroom discussion.

Guide’s approach feels a lot more structured and clear than most classroom discussions. It helped keep the conversation focused and made it easier to think through the different sides of the issue. In a real classroom, discussions sometimes get off-topic or people don’t fully explain their points, but having Guide there made everything feel more organized and easier to follow.

I feel that using this system has actually allowed me and a partner to have a meaningful, guided discussion. In class, the topic of conversation and the discussion are short, and I don't tend to learn much about others' opinions. This was my first time using this system, but I enjoyed it.

I found it easier to think through my thought process and I felt more comfortable sharing my position. I enjoyed being able to use guide to look up information to expand on the conversation.

I liked how Guide opened up the conversation by asking us to expound more on our opinions given specific scenarios. Guide helped me realize that there is more to the issue than what I know, which I appreciated because it helped me rethink my opinion on the issue.

I really liked my discussion. Both sides were willing, and the best thing about the discussion taking place on Sway is that you have to think before you type your response. I feel many people forget to do this in discussions that take place in person, even in classroom discussions.

I think this could be a great tool for students to practice their discussion skills. I think tying it to personal beliefs is interesting, but when posed as an AI helper to navigate tough topics, we considered it more of a mediator. Understanding that it is instead aimed to help navigate and inform discussion to improve those skills makes it more approachable. I didn't find it helpful as a ""mediator,"" but as a learning tool I get it.

It did help with my confidence in discussing complex issues, and it made it feel less confrontational/scary.

It helped me understand and analyze other perspectives. Responding in a critical way to different perspective helped me gain additional understanding and emotional maturity when it comes to having important discussions with others.

It was a unique experience. I appreciated the guide that Sway had to offer. It allowed me to think deeply about what we were discussing. It also allowed me to formulate a more coherent and rational opinion about our discussed topic.

Sway, being fully online and at our own pace, allows me to think more deeply about my answers before I say them, allowing me to give the best answer possible. In class discussions, I cannot do this because I have to respond almost immediately.

Talking on Sway feels more comfortable and inclusive than classroom discussions. It lets me express my thoughts at my own pace, though I do sometimes miss the energy of live conversation. Overall, it’s a great platform for thoughtful participation.

Talking on Sway felt more structured and reflective than a typical classroom discussion. I appreciated having time to think through my responses and see different perspectives clearly. In a classroom, discussions can feel more spontaneous and interactive, but sometimes it’s harder to organize everyone’s ideas. Sway made it easier to stay focused on the topic and explore reasoning in depth, though it lacks the real-time energy and social interaction of an in-person conversation.

This was a fun chat because it allowed me to talk to somebody that initially surveyed to have a very opposing view than me, but it turned out we agreed a lot on the topic. I like the relative anonymity because it allowed us to speak without having to worry about giving away personal information.

Challenged me to see the viewpoint of the other side of the argument and made me realize that there can be many pros to the other side of an argument

I really liked how the guide asked us to elaborate on certain points we made or challenged us to consider the other persons perspective in a different way! The guide was a lot more active and helpful than I thought it would be!

It felt nice to discuss a topic with a dissenting opinion. I was able to find both the positives and the negatives of space exploration, and the conversation greatly helped me clarify and better understand my own position.

Talking on Sway definitely helped continue moving the conversation forwards with defining what we were talking about and asking questions to continue the conversation and help us see each others positions, opinions, and personal experiences.

Guide's approach was kind of like a classroom discussion, but more direct and structured. It made me think deeper and actually respond to challenges instead of just repeating my point.

Helped me learn opposing views and reasons. I like how Sway broke down important parts of our arguments and asked us about them because we may have overlooked it

I appreciate how approaching discussions online lets me more carefully consider my responses before posting them. Although this is a nice feature, I also believe that being able to manage the pressure of face-to-face discussions is an invaluable skill to develop. So, I'd personally recommend using Guide in conjunction with classroom discussions whenever possible.

I felt like I could be completely honest. It also gave me more time to really think through the issue and response critically and thoughtfully.

I love how Guide hears both my opinions and my partner's while allowing us to dive deeper into the conversation, which is often missed in class.

It allowed me to think of new ways of interpreting [my partner]'s views from the guide and challenging both our perspectives in a kind manner. That was really nice to have!

It felt much more personal and in depth then a classroom experience would allow, I had time to compose my thoughts and really absorb what my partner said on my own time. The Guide was also really helpful though sometimes seemed to bring up things that were adjacent to the last message but not exactly on point

It helped me put my opponents arguments into simple points so that I could come up with good counterarguments.

Talking on Sway felt more comfortable and less intimidating than in a classroom setting. It gave me time to think through my responses and explain my reasoning clearly.

Guide was extremely unbiased and posed questions to both of us using details we incorporated in out arguments. It challenged us to elaborate on weaker links so we can strengthen connection between premises. I feel classroom discussions can be more biased and prone to a heated argument ensuing. Specifically by observing someone's body language, tone of voice, and word choices.

I think that it was more peaceful and direct. I also appreciate being able to go back and read what was previously said and having the Guide there to provide context and prompts. At one point, the Guide prompted us to define the boundary between hate speech and extremism, which was something we could both agree on.

I like how guide comes in as a 3rd person to bring up talking points mentioned and how some of what has been said can be contradictory or deviate from the main point of the conversation. I usually have difficulty staying on topic so I found that helpful.

It made me look at a different point of view, and now I see why someone would pick sports over academics in some situations

It was nice to have a space to hold a conversation; even though we didn’t *actually* disagree on the initial statement, I enjoyed sharing on points where we didn’t necessarily align. I found myself agreeing with some of his points, which was surprising considering how polarizing conversations about women’s rights can become.

It did bring up questions and topics that we couldn't think of whenever we were stuck and couldn't really progress without further input.

Sway affects my confidence discussing complex issues with people who hold different views from me by encouraging me to empathize with other people's viewpoints.

It feels more relaxed and low pressured compared to classroom discussions. I can take a second to think before responding and I don't have to worry about messing up. On Sway it's easier to organize my thoughts.

It was less intimidating to be behind a screen than to be face-to-face with someone. It was a good way to practice implementing the skills we've been learning in the perspectives modules.

Sway allowed us to fully listen to each other. I think that if we had done this in person, we would be talking over each other. Also, it gave us time to think through our thoughts and formulate coherent arguments.

I still think I value classroom discussions more however the Guide offered some useful insight and helpful rewording with a different perspective that helped us see the other persons point of view as well as clarify my own opinion that I might not have articulated perfectly.

It was very interesting to dispute a subject and have the support of the chat to continue the conversation and point out new argument angles to continue discussing. All of these contributed to helping find a middle ground that both participants could agree on.

I can talk to someone more in depth without worrying and being put on the spot like I would in a classroom.

I had the freedom of thinking through my argument properly instead of being on the spot, and I was also able to grasp a better understanding of their argument too.

I like that it gave me the chance to fully think about the topic and why I believe what I do. I think a lot of the time we make judgments and don’t fully understand why we actually made them.

I liked being able to talk to a classmate and have time to write out my answers and think about what I was going to say instead of coming up with my arguments on the spot.

I think it offered a contained, open platform for discussion that made it easy to remain calm and thoughtful when engaging with a potentially heated subject.

It asked us to consider each other's argument in relation to our own reasons. That helped understand the connections between issues and how effects can vary depending on external factors.

I was able to state my point of view in a respectful and calm way, while getting the other side of the argument explained to me by someone already on my level.

It was really useful to have a third perspective that was advocating for both sides so that we could get a clearer idea of what the other person was intending to debate.

Talking on Sway feels more structured and focused than a classroom discussion, which makes it easier to organize my thoughts and respond clearly.

The guide was helpful! I think it was critical in steering the conversation towards meaningful discourse instead of allowing us to get wrapped up in the same debate and points over and over again.

Using sway makes the discussion more civil and gives everyone an equal opportunity to contribute. No one is yelling or being disrespectful either.

Allowed more time to discuss one on one than a class discussion. Gave time to reflect on responses before replying.

Guide was extremely helpful in grounding me. I would not be able to find mistake in my slippery slope or consider my stance in a much deeper perspective.

Guide helps the conversation flow when misunderstandings or loss of ideas arise. In the classroom, we sit in silence when we don’t understand or have nothing to add.

I enjoyed this discussion as it was done in a respectful manner. i found that even though we disagreed in the beginning after hearing the details of our opinions we realized we agreed on key values.

I like how it really kept prompting us until we came to a sound solution. Even after we already agreed.

It allowed us to confidently compare our beliefs and contrast our examples.

It was easier to have a one on one, consistent, discussion, where we could both explain our ideas/arguments and come to a mutual understanding/common ground.

I enjoyed chat guidance. I have horrible ADHD and can connect off topic comments and it kept me on track.

For me, it was better. I tend to get nervous when speaking and when I get nervous, I can't think correctly. It becomes really hard for me to say what I mean but this made it easier for me to express myself.

Yes, as a bigger writer than a speaker, I feel more confident in participating in classroom discussions. Especially since this assignment layout gives me the opportunity to be able to write down my thoughts to understand them clearly. Therefore, I preferred this Sway system much more.

I'm able to voice my opinion or beliefs more freely and extensively because I don't really like verbal debates or arguments to try and prove point because I tend to get very annoyed and quite during these type of educational disagreements.

i feel like it pushed me out of my comfort zone . usually in class i don’t raise my hand and stay quite just listening in. i feel like this style let me talk without worry of judgement

I think it allows me to understand my classmates more easily because it doesn't require me to speak up with my voice, but at the same time, still be able to state my points and thoughts on a topic.

I feel like this is good for people who are shy in class. This is a way they can freely talk about their opinion.

I like it a lot more because my thoughts do not come out well normally when I talk because I get nervous and stuff.

I feel like Sway really gives me the opportunity to take my time into speaking my opinion because in real life I feel like I blank out a lot. I have so much to say, yet in person I forget it all. Sway also encourages me to communicate and dedicate my time to listen to other people's point of view in topics I may disagree on. With classroom discussions, I can feel anxious and worried I might mess up, but with Sway I'm able to concentrate and say what I need to say in a calmly time matter.

The Sway chat helped me practice breaking down arguments, staying calm, and focusing on the core question instead of getting pulled into side points. It showed me how to ask clarifying questions and challenge claims respectfully. Having a structured back‑and‑forth made it easier to see how conversations can stay productive even when people disagree. Overall, the experience increased my confidence in navigating difficult topics without feeling overwhelmed or stuck.

Talking on Sway feels different from participating in classroom discussions in a few ways. On Sway, I have more time to think about what I want to say, so my responses are usually clearer and more organized. It also feels less stressful because there isn’t the pressure of speaking out loud in front of everyone. At the same time, I still get to interact with other people’s ideas and build on their arguments, just like in a real discussion. The main difference is that the conversation moves at its own pace, sometimes slower than a live classroom discussion, but it gives me the chance to be more thoughtful and confident in what I write. Overall, it’s a helpful and less intimidating way to practice real discussion skills.

Talking on Sway feels more organized and less intimidating than classroom discussions because I can think through my ideas before responding.

I'm quite shy so it's easier not to have to talk in front of the class, and also gives me a chance to review my notes before I generate an opinion.

It made me feel more comfortable and open to sharing my thoughts and opinions, as I felt guarded by my screen. Whereas in a classroom discussion, I may feel nervous or shy sharing my opinions.

I think that sway works especially well for people who have anxiety about speaking in class. Also being familiar with your classmates helps the conversation flow.

It makes it easier talking because it helps me be more honest and open. When we are face to face with someone it can feel intimidating.

I feel uncomfortable talking in the classroom, but it is different here.

I love talking on Sway because I have more time to compose my opinions in an organized and articulate way than if I were talking in class in front of other people.

This Sway chat increased my confidence in holding in-depth discussions on complex issues, especially with people who hold different views from me.

It is much less biased. I also think everyone gets to talk since usually the same people talk in class and others feel like they shouldn't speak out.

Sway has given me the opportunity to share without feeling like I will be judged.

It's nice that we can speak our mind without the fear of judgement but also have a space to dig into the topic and learn, maybe even changing our opinion or perspective.

Guide challenges us to test whether we genuinely stand by our beliefs and to refine our reasoning rather than just stating opinions without reflection.

This chat really pushed me to rethink my answers and recognize their underlying problems.

This strengthened our ability to discuss topics unfamiliar to us. This seems like a way to have better conversations that provides accurate information and mitigates assumptions.

This was a (s)way more effective method than participating in classroom discussions. It forced us to not only argue our points, but dig between the cracks and focus on some of the underlying issues involved with the topic.

I felt this was a very engaging way to get us to discuss, and I appreciated the chance to play devil's advocate against my own belief. It did force me to look even deeper into the counter argument.

It forced us to not only argue our points, but dig between the cracks and focus on some of the underlying issues involved with the topic.

It was helpful to be matched with someone who disagreed because that obviously makes for a more interesting discussion.

Guide was very useful, and the leading questions helped us find we didn't disagree as much as we would have thought. Crazy stuff!

I really got to understand from the opposite perspective!

I liked hearing out and thinking about new solutions to issues that I hadn't previously considered.

It made it much easier to talk to someone who had different views!

We both were able to understand one another's perspective. It allowed us to find solutions we both agreed upon in the end.

Guide gave unexpectedly thoughtful feedback and clearly understood the discussion and brought it to a deeper, more insightful place.

I feel like the AI was really helpful in guiding the conversation. It led to more fruitful conversation and was really insightful.

Guide was surprisingly accurate in talking about our more fundamental points of disagreement.

I think Guide was an excellent moderator. It helped us move the conversation forward in a way we may not have navigated on our own. It wasn't invasive, felt pretty natural.

I love when Guide intervenes. It refocuses the argument.

Guide's approach keeps everyone engaged because it truly pays attention to our separate ideas and somehow unites them.

It gives better follow-up questions than any in-person discussion experience that I've had.

This was much more effective than the discussion posts. It allowed us to cover this topic in more granular detail while also forcing us to acknowledge some of the other reasons. Great exercise.

Guide's approach was more thorough than if it was in-person. I felt as though I was in a debate, while receiving helpful points to formulate a good response.

I appreciate how I can say my entire opinion and have the opportunity to hear (read) my opponents and can respond without interruption, and vice versa.

Guide's approach mirrors good classroom discussions: Asking smart questions and using evidence from our readings. It pushed deep thinking while keeping the debate respectful and focused on the topic question.

Guide's approach mirrors what I value in classroom discussions — open, honest, and respectful communication.

I've never seen anything like this. Especially the quiz after the discussion based on what we discussed was fantastic. The tool could capture ideas very profoundly and make reasonable questions that were not too easy or hard.

It was actually so cool. I loved the AI guide and the quiz at the end made me feel heard.

I don't even like homework or school to be honest, but having to articulate your argument and then do a quiz on the debate after is cool!

I really enjoyed this discussion! The semi-anonymous way of chatting with a classmate, the timely guidance from Guide, and the understanding quiz are all fascinating. It's a new experience for me, and I feel so lucky and grateful to have the opportunity.

It allows for classmates to have deeper conversations about controversial topics as this isn't a part of in classroom discussions.

It allowed me to express my opinion in a healthy way and I learned another person's perspective.