Building Belonging through Blended Learning | Reimala Sivalingam | TEDxUniversity of Manchester

TL;DR

Creating a sense of belonging in a blended learning environment through technology, communication, and collaboration for student well-being.

Transcript

good evening everyone I'm Raya civil inam and I know how difficult it is to pronounce my name I'm a teaching focused lecturer and the program director of BC accounting at the alliance Manchester business school my talk today is titled building belonging in a blended learning environment with students as part Partners the idea for this belonging ini... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Technology like Microsoft Teams can create a secure digital platform for students to connect and interact.
• 🧑‍🎓 Effective communication through tailored resources and engaging visuals enhances student autonomy and engagement.
• 🧑‍🎓 Collaboration with diverse student groups promotes the student voice, support, and community building.
• 😀 Face-to-face events complement online efforts, providing opportunities for students to share experiences and strengthen bonds.
• 🧑‍🎓 Building a sense of belonging through connection, communication, and collaboration can positively impact student well-being.
• 🧑‍🎓 Student feedback and engagement in events and initiatives contribute to a supportive and inclusive academic community.
• ✊ The power of connection in creating a sense of belonging is essential for student success and well-being in a blended learning environment.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Raya Civil Inam to initiate the belonging pilot project?

Raya was inspired by her experiences as an academic advisor supporting students facing challenges during the pandemic, leading her to prioritize building a sense of belonging in the blended learning environment.

Q: How did Raya utilize technology to foster connections among students?

Raya used Microsoft Teams to create a secure digital platform for students to connect, interact, and support each other, facilitating communication and community building.

Q: Why is communication essential in fostering belonging among students?

Effective communication bridges gaps, promotes autonomy, and creates a student-friendly space where students can access resources, support networks, and engage in career events.

Q: How did Raya encourage collaboration with students as partners in the community?

Raya engaged with diverse student groups such as student representatives, ambassadors, and coaches to promote the student voice, provide support, and strengthen the sense of belonging in the University community.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker, Raya Civil Inam, discusses creating belonging in a blended learning environment.

• Inam shares her experience as an academic advisor during the pandemic and the impact on students' mental health.

• She highlights the importance of connection, communication, and collaboration in building a sense of belonging among students.