Approaching Technology and Student Connection with CARE

Welcome to this short episode where I share some thoughts and research on education—with a little help from my two new best friends: robots.

Yes, this episode is only 16 minutes and 32 seconds long, but I hope it offers something meaningful. I’ve been reflecting a lot on how we, as educators, are navigating the space between technology and human connection. And I’m concerned.

I’m concerned that we sometimes hesitate to embrace new technologies. Or we rush in without care. I believe we need to approach both technology and our relationships with students with intention—and above all, with care.

As technology continues to develop at incredible speed, we can’t ignore those without access to it—even those right beside us. Nor can we overlook the very real harm caused by overuse, by disconnection, by losing ourselves in the digital world.

This is where we come in.

As educators, we have a responsibility to understand not just how technology can support learning—but also where it might cause harm.

For me, technology is just that: a tool.

It will never replace students I meet. It will never replace the power of a real, caring human connection.

My approach is grounded in three principles:

1. Trust students.
2. Believe in students.
3. Inspire students to grow.

And the foundation is Care.

Care for students—not just for their academic growth, but for who they are as human beings. My goal is to guide them through the digital landscape so they don’t lose themselves, but learn to use technology in ways that are ethical, meaningful, and human. This means I too need to continue learning and that makes life & living truly meaningful

Thank you for listening. I hope this sparks something in your own reflections. Let's keep learning, together. / Remember TO BE KIND to you and those around you / Liisa