Digital Wellbeing
Learning new digital systems while starting a new role can be daunting and stressful. The flip side of the ubiquity of digital environments is that we can find we spend too much time on our screens.
With the ever-increasing role of digital technologies in our personal, working and educational lives comes the question: What impact does frequent and sustained use of digital devices have on our health and wellbeing?
According to Jisc, Digital Wellbeing is a fundamental element of Digital Capabilities, specifically:
- looking after personal health, safety, relationships and work-life balance in digital settings
- using digital tools in pursuit of personal goals (e.g. health and fitness) and to participate in social and community activities
- acting safely and responsibly in digital environments
- negotiating and resolving conflict
- managing digital workload, overload and distraction
- acting with concern for the human and natural environment when using digital tools
(Building digital capabilities: The six elements defined, Jisc, 2015)
Resources for improving your digital wellbeing:
- Digital Wellbeing (Google)
- Data Detox
- Managing Technology (University of Cambridge)
- Digital wellbeing apps (Android)
- Screen Time (Apple)
Student Wellbeing
By the same token, it is important to look after your students' wellbeing. In the digital context, this can be by simply showing them support:
- Set virtual office hours, so students in need know when and how to contact you
- Try not to overload your students with unnecessary online activity - aim for quality rather than quantity
- Encourage your students to look after their own digital wellbeing with offline time and self-care
[Link to institutional information about wellbeing]
