Building Bridges: Using Technology to Strengthen Relationships in the Classroom

by Carly Ghantous

In an era of digital learning, technology often takes center stage for its ability to enhance academic performance and provide access to endless resources. It is often under fire, though, for taking away connection and diminishing students’ abilities to participate in real human interaction. Despite these perceptions, technology’s most transformative potential may actually lie in fostering relationships—between students and teachers and among students themselves. With 16 years of teaching experience split almost evenly between in-person and online classrooms, I am in a unique position to make this claim. The relationships that I have been able to nurture in my online classroom are deeper and more rewarding than my previous experiences with in-person classrooms. While the format of the classroom is relevant (my online classroom follows a unique flipped model where students work synchronously through content and meet throughout the week for scheduled live sessions that focus on application and discussion), it is not the sole determining factor in how those relationships are forged and allowed to grow. In any classroom, meaningful connections are the foundation of effective learning, and technology –when used thoughtfully– can be a bridge to strengthen those bonds, not as a barrier to real connection.

Consider the ways in which technology facilitates communication. I recall a student who was incredibly shy and hesitant to speak up in class. Through a shared discussion board, she began posting her thoughts on our readings. Her insights were sharp and thoughtful, and seeing her peers engage with her posts boosted her confidence. By the end of the semester, she was participating in live discussions with enthusiasm. Teachers, too, can engage more personally, creating an ongoing dialogue that extends beyond classroom walls, and removes barriers that would prevent students from opening up. In this situation, the perceived anonymity of technology-assisted communication allows for more open and honest conversations, leading to stronger relationships and an opportunity to build trust.

Collaboration, an essential skill for both academic success and life, is also enhanced by technology. In one project, I had students work together to create a lesson and teach part of a novel to the class. I teach at a fully online school, so these students were geographically scattered across the country. Despite the physical distance, they brainstormed ideas and edited content using collaborative technology. And, because they used these tools, I was able to monitor their progress and interaction, providing assistance and coaching when needed. Watching them navigate challenges, solve problems together, and celebrate the final product was a reminder of how technology can build not just skills but also community.

Empathy, a cornerstone of meaningful relationships, can also be nurtured through digital storytelling. One memorable activity involved students creating digital time capsules that symbolically represented the five largest values in their lives. As these were shared, I saw a shift in the class dynamic. Students who rarely interacted began connecting over shared experiences, interests, and values, and a newfound sense of understanding and respect emerged.

Even play, often underestimated in its importance, finds a place in the digital landscape. During a review session, I introduced a gamified quiz to reinforce key concepts. Students were laughing, encouraging each other, and even offering virtual high-fives. What struck me most was how this lighthearted activity fostered bonds that carried into more serious academic discussions.

Technology also supports social-emotional learning by providing avenues for students to articulate their feelings and build self-awareness. I use digital check-ins to gauge how students are feeling at the start of the week. One student’s response—an emoji that conveyed stress—opened the door to a private conversation where I learned he was struggling with balancing school and family responsibilities. That simple interaction helped me offer the support he needed to thrive, and gave him an opportunity to share his feelings without feeling like a burden or making an awkward first move.

Finally, virtual meetups offer unique opportunities for connection. Last year, I organized a virtual book club where students could discuss their favorite novels. What began as a casual experiment turned into a weekly highlight, with students eagerly sharing their thoughts and bonding over shared literary adventures. Now, this book club is offered as an elective course for students to take during their regular school day. These moments reminded me that meaningful relationships can flourish even in digital spaces.

When used thoughtfully, technology can amplify the human connections that lie at the heart of education. It’s not just about efficiency or access; it’s about creating classrooms where every student feels valued and supported. By integrating these approaches, educators can ensure that technology doesn’t just enhance learning but also strengthens the relationships that make learning possible. As you plan your next lesson, consider how these ideas might help you build those bridges, preparing students for the digital age while teaching them the timeless value of connection.