Community and Belonging in the DisruptED World of Education
The article examines how community and belonging remain essential to student success even as education is disrupted by technology. It argues that meaningful connection — whether in physical or digital environments — is a foundational element of effective learning. The piece calls on educators and institutions to prioritize relational belonging alongside technological adoption.
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Key takeaways
Students perform better when they feel a genuine sense of belonging and connection in their learning environment.
Technology is reshaping education, but human connection must remain central to the learning experience.
Schools and educators must intentionally build community structures that translate across in-person and digital formats.
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Creating a sense of community and belonging in education has never been more important, especially with online learning and AI-driven platforms reshaping the ways students engage with educational content. Research shows that a sense of purpose and belonging can significantly impact student success, improving both academic outcomes and overall well-being. With institutions navigating post-pandemic changes and the rise of skills-based hiring, the question arises: How can we cultivate a stronger sense of belonging in digital learning environments?
Research shows that a sense of purpose and belonging can significantly impact student success, improving both academic outcomes and overall well-being.
On this episode of DisruptED, host Ron J Stefanski speaks with two leaders in the education field, Dr. Jeremy Dean, Vice President of Learning Design at Honor Education, and Dr. Susan Warner-Sanchez, Associate Vice Chancellor of the Teaching and Learning Excellence Division at the Austin Community College District. Together, they explore how digital platforms are reimagining the educational experience by focusing on purpose, community, and belonging.
Key discussion points:
– The impact of belonging and purpose on student motivation, success, and mental health.
– How Honor Education's platform fosters human connection and active student engagement.
– The role of AI and technology in creating personalized and connected learning environments.
Dr. Susan Warner-Sanchez oversees instructional services for over 80,000 students and 2,000 faculty members at the Austin Community College District. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, she specializes in strategic planning, technology integration, and fostering a culture of equity and inclusion.
Dr. Jeremy Dean is the Vice President of Learning Design at Honor Education, where he leads the integration of technology into educational platforms to enhance teaching and learning. With years of experience as a classroom educator, Dr. Dean transitioned into educational technology, spearheading go-to-market strategies and building communities around innovative learning tools at companies like Hypothesis and Genius. His expertise lies in instructional design, educational leadership, and creating engaging, tech-driven learning environments that prioritize student success.
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