Abstract

Given rising levels of social isolation, disconnection, and concerns about mental health, the learning needs of many students today must also address their minds and hearts. Online learning environments particularly need to use technology to skillfully bridge gaps in connection. Mindfulness practices that involve focusing awareness on oneself in connection with others, known as relational mindfulness, can be a conduit for students to better understand themselves and each other in creative and productive ways that have the potential to powerfully enhance any learning spaces, especially online learning. Here, we introduce relational mindfulness as a set of wellbeing practices for educators to bring into their classrooms in a variety of ways to promote embodied learning, connection, and compassion for oneself and others in virtual and in person settings. To ground these practices, we draw on the first author’s autoethnographic, firsthand experience as a mindfulness student and teacher trainee in the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC), and later, as a mindfulness teacher. We also use data from interviews conducted with experts who teach relational mindfulness online at UCLA’s MARC. Synthesizing this data, we conceptualize and explore the dynamics, applications, and mechanisms connected to relational mindfulness to promote wellbeing in educational settings, for students individually and within online learning communities, collectively. We provide practical takeaways for educators to effectively build these practices into their online classrooms and technological instructions to do so, at a variety of skill levels and developmental stages. Thus, sharing a vision for educational spaces, whether virtual or in person, to become spaces of compassion and connection. Teaching students to not just feel and think for themselves but for and with others too. Ultimately, educating generations of learners and leaders who are prepared for life and ready to rise to the challenges of our time.

Citation

Gruber, N. & Henriksen, D. (2024). Bridging the Distance: Relational Mindfulness Practices for Connection and Compassion in Online Education. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 32(1), 59-97. Waynesville, NC USA: Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education. Retrieved August 31, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/223931/.

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