To use Mismatch, educators simply sign up on the platform, register one or more classrooms, and enter a matching and scheduling process with other U.S. classrooms that are registered on the platform.

Much like other “matching apps,” Mismatch utilizes a back-end algorithm that seeks and returns optimal matches based on multiple criteria including grade level, number of students, time of day availability, and a set of “difference” variables that help ensure interesting, diverse classroom matches.

Through Mismatch, educators whose classrooms are matched with each other can proceed to select conversation topics, schedule optimal times for their classrooms to meet, and host face-to-face conversations over video between their classrooms. Matched classrooms can opt to hold one — or multiple — conversations with each other.

The platform is optimized for small-group interactions, with students automatically assigned into small breakout groups that include students from each classroom. As students connect face-to-face over the platform, a three-round conversation panel and countdown timer are displayed on the right-hand side of the screen, providing structured “prompts” and ensuring timely completion of conversations.

As a matching application, Mismatch relies on the availability of good “matches.” In other words, the more classrooms that sign up to our platform, the more potential matches the platform can return. During Mismatch’s ramp in 2019-20, some classrooms will see multiple potential matches returned immediately, while other classrooms may experience a lag time until other prospective “matches” enter the database.

Mismatch works best when nested as a classroom activity inside one or more of our recommended lesson plans. Matched classrooms can opt to participate together in full lesson plans from AllSides for Schools, our partner Close Up Foundation, and / or our partner OpenMind Platform. Furthermore, these lesson plans can be combined with one another for even greater classroom impact.