A student’s social, emotional and behavioural wellbeing shapes how they learn, grow and relate to others. This article explores where technology genuinely helps counsellors and teachers understand students’ needs and development, why the human role remains the foundation of counselling, and shares the perspectives of a group of educators in their own words.
A student’s social, emotional and behavioural wellbeing shapes how they learn, how they relate to others and how they see themselves. Schools across our region increasingly recognise this, and counsellors sit at the heart of that work.
Yet much of what a counsellor or teacher notices about a student lives in memory, in scattered notes or in a short conversation between lessons. The challenge is rarely a lack of care. It is seeing clearly: noticing change early, and understanding patterns of student growth over time rather than in a single moment.
Where technology helps
Technology cannot counsel a student. What it can do is give educators a clearer view. Optional written reflections, and voice reflections where enabled by the school, can help educators understand students’ development over time, and a record that follows each student from year to year can reveal patterns that may otherwise be difficult to recognise. School supervisors gain a clearer picture of student development, while parents receive insights to support their child’s growth.
This is the role AnaAkhtar is designed to play. As an Arabic-first, bilingual platform, it helps schools follow each student’s social, emotional and behavioural development from Grade 4 to Grade 12, so that educators can better understand each student’s development over time.
Where people remain essential
The relationship between a student and a trusted adult is where real support happens. Listening, judgement and care belong to counsellors and teachers. A platform can inform that work, but it does not replace the counselling that schools provide, and it should never try to.
In their own words
We asked educators to share their perspective on technology, counselling and student wellbeing.
Ms. Eman - Founder & CEO, AnaAkhtar
Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Zyoud Dean, Faculty of Educational Sciences The University of Jordan
Dr. Reem Al Buainain - Vice President, Euro University of Bahrain (EUB)
Mr. Ahmed Shabeeb Al Dhaheri - Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
Mr. Hussam Al Ghazzawi - Co-Founder, AnaAkhtar
Looking ahead
The most meaningful insights come from educators who work with students every day. Their experience reminds us that good tools serve good practice, never the other way round. We thank the educators who shared their perspectives. Their voices will continue to inform how AnaAkhtar evolves to serve students, families and schools.
By: AnaAkhtar
