Forging Connections and Fostering Belonging: The Role of Positive Psychology in the Virtual Classroom

Abstract

Technology has expanded the landscape of higher education. The ability to learn almost anything from anywhere at any time has impacted educational attainment, particularly for those who lacked access in the past. Many who enter the virtual classroom, however, do not stay. Completion rates for online learning fall short, especially when compared to in-person experiences. For all its advancements, online learning has also created a chasm in human connection that influences learning. We are not made to connect through wires. Though we may espouse having multitudes of “friends” online, developing a true sense of belonging and connection must be purposefully developed when working through a screen and keyboard. This reflective essay interrogates the use of technology in higher education and encourages the inclusion of positive psychology practices to bridge the gap of human connection that is an integral part of student success.