SMILE

Stanford Mobile Inquiry-based Learning Environment

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About SMILE

SMILE (Stanford Mobile Inquiry-based Learning Environment) is an innovative learning platform developed at Stanford University in 2010. Designed to enhance students’ questioning skills, SMILE empowers learners to become curious, critical thinkers — ready for the age of AI.

By promoting inquiry-based learning, SMILE helps students move beyond passive learning to actively engage in knowledge creation. It supports learners in asking high-quality, innovative questions — a core skill for future-ready talent.

SMILE has been recognized by the United Nations as a leading educational tool that prepares students for the future through creativity, inquiry, and deep engagement.

Agentable Inquiry-Based Learning

Students are empowered as agents of their own learning —

asking their own questions, making decisions about how to investigate,

and taking responsibility for the learning process.

Student agency

Learners choose questions that matter to them.

Supportive environment

Teachers act as facilitators, not directors.

Self-direction

Students plan investigations and select methods.

Real-world relevance

Questions often stem from authentic, real-life issues.

Ownership

Learners evaluate their findings and reflect on their process.

Discover SMILE

Inquiries

SMILE is an inquiry maker

Multimedia

Create questions from any multimedia content — videos, images, articles, and more!

Discussion

Discuss your questions with friends around the world — and see how others think!

Any Subjects

Start your own group on any topic you care about — science, art, tech, anything!