Emotional Intelligence and EdTech: Essentials for 21st Century Classrooms

A full recording of this webinar is available on FOSI’s YouTube channel. View it here.

On September 7th, the Family Online Safety Institute hosted a webinar on Emotional Intelligence and EdTech: Essentials for 21st Century Classrooms. In 2022, the back to school season looks different from any other year, as educators incorporate the best aspects of technological developments from the past two pandemic years into predominantly in-person classrooms. This panel of experts was moderated by Laura Tierney of The Social Institute, and featured Jimmeka Anderson of the National Association for Media Literacy Education; Richard Culatta of the International Society for Technology in Education; and Amy Koester of the Association of Library Service to Children.

Panelists explored the concept of empowered learning through curiosity, creativity, and communication, as well as innovative ways that educators can foster digital learning environments. Specifically, the speakers discussed how technology is often presented to children as a list of “don’ts,” even though it is more nuanced than a binary good-or-bad tool for learning. The panelists acknowledged that learning to be a digital citizen is a complex skill and, like anything, takes practice. 

The panel discussed tips on making learning more fun and engaging by meeting students at their level and borrowing from their creative experiences with technology to inform lesson planning. Additional tips included: building communities and opportunities for collaboration, and modeling good digital habits as adults through inclusion, communication, and consistency.

The panelists acknowledged that educators are tasked with many responsibilities and this community seeks efficient ways to incorporate technology into classrooms after the global pandemic led to a vast increase in reliance on devices for learning. They noted that educators can use the knowledge they already have about tech as a starting point to expand their understanding of digital and media literacy. The panelists believe that now is the time to set guidelines for students about how to use technology appropriately, while also making the most of  the digital tools that were introduced during the pandemic. Finally, the panelists shared that we can achieve success in building emotional intelligence among students through collaboration, conversations, and by establishing genuine, open relationships with young people.