Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an educational methodology that aims to integrate emotional skills within the curriculum. Concepts can include handling difficult emotions, setting goals, coping with feelings, and building healthy relationships.
Within the traditional classroom, "teachers are the engine that drives social and emotional learning (SEL) programs and practices in schools and classrooms, and their own social-emotional competence and wellbeing strongly influence their students." Research shows that teaching is one of the most stressful occupations, and that stress is infectious: If teachers are stressed, students likely are too (Schonert-Reichl, 2017).
So, how can we incorporate technology in the classroom without it becoming another stressor?
Brené Brown’s impactful TED Talk The Power of Vulnerability explores how embracing vulnerability leads to deeper connections, creativity, and learning. Just as Brown discusses the need for a sense of worthiness, educators must foster digital spaces where students feel safe sharing their ideas.
By integrating technology to align with Brown’s principles, such as embracing imperfection, fostering connection, and encouraging vulnerability, educators can create more inclusive and engaging learning experiences while simplifying lesson planning.
An example I saw in my practicum was a reading intervention group that implemented Nearpod’s Digital Whiteboard capabilities. Students in the group hesitated to share their work publicly. This method helped students feel safe responding anonymously without peer judgment. It was also easy for this teacher to build lessons; it took minutes!
Nearpod's capabilities for individual work and collaboration within a lesson allow students to share their thoughts, embracing vulnerability in a supportive space. This technology enables students to experiment, fail, and try again in a low-risk environment
References:
Schonert-Reichl, K. A. (2017). Social and emotional learning and teachers. The future of children, 137-155.
Brown, B. (2010, June 3). The power of vulnerability [Video]. TED. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o