ACHE Webinar Series: May 20

May 20

"Human Connections in a Digital Classroom"

Description: 

In higher education’s increasingly digital landscape, genuine human connection is essential for student engagement and well-being. This webinar explores practical strategies for building meaningful faculty-student relationships in fully online environments. Drawing from leadership frameworks such as Schein’s Humble Inquiry and Northouse’s relationship-based leadership, attendees will learn how intentional communication and relational teaching practices can transform online classrooms into communities of connection. Examples from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Applied Leadership program highlight personalized communication, reflective feedback, and the structured, purposeful integration of AI tools that enhance, not replace, human interaction. Through this balanced approach, attendees will gain actionable insights to strengthen human connection, enhance learning outcomes, and promote holistic well-being beyond the books.

Presenter: 

• Mike Breakey, PhD, LEAD Associate Professor of Practice, University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Moderator: Billie McNamara, University of Tennessee