Understanding Belonging in Education in the Digital Age

Understanding Belonging in Education in the Digital Age

The project investigates how technology impacts belonging and support in education, aiming to enhance these through effective interventions.

Description

'Belonging', 'social inclusion' and 'social support' are key areas of sociability that are vital to student and staff wellbeing, resilience, and academic success in educational settings, and are still reported to be sustained by face-to-face interaction. In recent years, academic life has been increasingly mediated through screens, with profound social, cultural, and well-being implications. This research project aims to better understand the sense of belonging amongst staff and students in educational settings, considering cultural, social, and technological factors. The project investigates strategies for fostering meaningful belonging, social inclusion, and social support, including the examination of school-based and university-based interventions and programs to evaluate their effectiveness. The expected outcomes of the research include providing actionable insights and recommendations for fostering belonging in educational settings, considering cultural diversity and the pervasive influence of digital technologies. The findings will inform policies and practices that enhance individual well-being and social cohesion in academic settings. This project includes a funded industry internship with Awards Victoria. 

SERC researcher

  • Elizabeth Kath

Project dates

2025- ongoing 

Funding body

 Awards Victoria, RMIT University.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information