Presenters:
Nanda Mamane and Serina Schoenlank
In higher education today, technology is everywhere — in classrooms, course design, and the ways we connect with students. The real challenge isn’t just figuring out how to use these tools well, but making sure they strengthen, rather than replace, the human connections at the core of learning. This session focuses on evidence-based strategies to help educators create compassionate, engaging, and inclusive learning environments that balance technological innovation with humanity. Participants will explore three core approaches: structured opportunities to build social presence and belonging; trauma-informed and compassionate communication to promote psychological safety and resilience; and active learning techniques incorporating reflection and emotional regulation to deepen engagement and support mental wellbeing. Grounded in research from psychology, education, and wellbeing science, the session highlights practical, adaptable practices—from reflective check-ins to collaborative problem-solving in digital spaces—that foster student success and faculty wellbeing in both in-person and online settings. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable tools and strategies to design courses that prioritize connection, promote durable skills such as empathy, ethical reasoning, and adaptability, and uphold the core values of higher education in a digital age. This session is intended for NSU faculty, staff, administrators, and students involved in teaching or student support who are interested in reimagining higher education as a compassionate, engaging, and empowering space for all learners.
