Building Empathy

Hybrid learning has redefined education, offering opportunities and presenting unique challenges. Educators and students have learned how to use technology, adapt their lesson plans, and navigate the hurdles of in-person and online learning. But even with all of this in mind, the question remains: how do we foster true connections and understanding when half of the class takes place through a screen? This post will focus on the importance of human connection or empathy through hybrid learning. 

Technology is not good at empathy; it can't care or understand a human being. As educators, we are the core for students to build their empathy by genuinely wanting to help them (Prensky, 2012, p. 2). This fundamental truth takes on even greater significance in hybrid learning environments, where the potential for disconnect is amplified. Yes, technology can make learning interactive, but it cannot give students the shared understanding or emotional feedback that fosters empathy. As educators, it falls to us to create experiences that prioritize human connection and create safe spaces. 

One of the many ways that you can build empathy into a hybrid learning environment is to give students more control (Heubeck, 2023). Empowering student choice in learning doesn't equate to chaos; instead, it fosters the autonomy for students to create their educational journey. For example, give students the autonomy to choose how they will show their understanding of a topic. Anderson (2023) states that "Online learning illustrates the power of teaching as a team sport, showcasing the collective power of instructors and teaching assistants, course designers, academic technologists, and students in crafting a meaningful learning environment for their peers." Giving students control over their learning is just one of many ways that educators can build empathy with their students.