So how can we 'be kind'?
In our technologically integrated world, how do we create and model cultures of kindness in our classrooms and digital communities? In this article, we outline six strategies that educational leaders can implement to Be Kind.
Become more mindful.
Practicing mindfulness - pausing and taking a breath before acting - helps us become “unstuck” and evaluate whether our actions or words promote kindness.
Our screen names are extensions of ourselves.
Our online identity is an extension of our physical presence: it IS our physical presence in the virtual world. For further information on staying safe online, check out our course on Understanding Cyber Security on NAU today.
Know the people behind the pictures are just as human as we are.
While we may react strongly to others’ posts, we don’t know how they were feeling or why they expressed themselves in that way. Showing kindness and empathy, rather than immediately voicing judgment, helps us understand the meaning behind the message.
Inspire kindness by building others up.
By inspiring kindness in others, we brighten their day and create cultures of kindness. Ever wondered how to go about inspiring others? Take our course on Inspirational Leadership and find out more!
Nourish in-person relationships with the same care with which we give our online relationships.
Hearing a purposeful, authentic compliment can make someone’s day and encourage them to “pay it forward” by complimenting others, too. Let’s challenge ourselves to express real-life ‘likes’. Don’t forget you can also like your colleagues’ posts on NAU, so feel free to show your appreciation for their contributions.
Do well by doing good.
What does “doing well” look like? Being happy? Successful? Giving our best efforts 100% of the time? To do well, we must also do good by purposefully cultivating compassion, in a world that so desperately needs our own unique approach to kindness.
So, as we establish and maintain relationships in-person and through online media, let’s remember to Be Kind. How will you and your students be kind?
For more information, check out the full article on NAU.
Angel Bradford
Instructional Technology & Innovation Coordinator
NAU Learning Technologies Teaching Fellow
The Village School
"Let’s challenge ourselves to express real-life ‘likes’"
Christine Galib
Director of Entrepreneurship and Wellness Programs
The Village School