Karen Robert and Aga Palalas discuss the importance of compassion, intention, and mindfulness in online teaching. They share contemplative practices to enhance personal connections, digital wellness, and student learning experiences. The episode explores the transformative effects of regular meditation and mindfulness practices, offering recommendations for educators to incorporate contemplative approaches into online education.
Contemplative practices aid in cultivating presence and compassion for educators.
Mindfulness practices in online teaching enhance well-being and foster authentic connections with learners.
Deep dives
Cultivating Presence Through Contemplative Practices
Engaging in contemplative practices helps in cultivating presence, where attention and intention are crucial aspects. Practicing meditation and mindfulness aid in enhancing awareness and fostering genuine connections with others. Contemplative pedagogy emphasizes the importance of slowing down, grounding oneself, and being fully attentive, whether in online or offline teaching environments.
Fostering Collective Presence Online
Presence and connection can be established in both synchronous and asynchronous online spaces. Creating opportunities for learners to engage in mindful inquiry and authentic interactions fosters a sense of collective presence. Practices like annotating articles and engaging in deep discussions help in building a community that supports each other's learning and well-being.
Integrating Mindfulness and Digital Wellness
Digital wellness encompasses using digital technologies beneficially while avoiding potential harms like isolation and burnout. Mindfulness practices are essential in mitigating the negative impacts of digital spaces. Incorporating practices such as decluttering digital environments, setting intentions, and promoting self-regulation can enhance learners' holistic well-being and engagement.
Practical Recommendations and Resources
Recommendations for deepening personal practice include utilizing resources like Insight Timer for guided meditations and Greater Good in Education for mindfulness-based practices. Promoting practices from research-based sources like the Greater Good Science Center and incorporating presence-building strategies into digital interactions can enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
Karen Robert + Aga Palalas share about their co-edited book, Presence in the Online World, a Contemplative Perspective and Practice for Educators, on episode 516 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
Quotes from the episode
This practice really focuses on the beautiful part of us, which is compassion.
-Aga Palalas
What is my intention? Why am I here right now?
-Aga Palalas