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- 1. Digital Wellbeing Online Course Module 3 Building Healthy Habits DWEL Online Course © 2023 by DWEL Partner Consortium is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
- 2. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein 01 Introduction 02 Overview 03 Learning Objectives 04 What does healthy habits mean for you? 05 Focus Areas of Digital Wellbeing 06 Exercise 07 Summary TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 3. Introduction This module is designed to guide you in developing healthy digital working habits. It focuses on enhancing digital literacy and efficiency, teaching effective management of digital tools and resources. You'll learn strategies for fostering strong digital communities and effective teamwork in virtual settings. Additionally, the module covers essential management practices for digital wellbeing and offers best practices for maintaining a balanced digital work life. By completing this module, you'll gain valuable skills to navigate and excel in the digital work environment, while prioritising your wellbeing https://digiwellbeing.eu/ 01
- 4. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Overview 02
- 5. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS In this module... An Exploration of Healthy Digital Habits: • Discover the significance of healthy habits and their personal impact. • Cultivate robust digital habits across four key domains: • Enhancing Skills and Competence: Elevate your digital capabilities and mastery. • Fostering Community Spirit: Strengthen your engagement and connection in digital spaces. • Strategic Management: Learn to navigate digital tools and resources effectively. • Optimising Working Practices: Implement best practices for a productive digital workflow.
- 6. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Learning Objectives 03
- 7. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Learning Objectives: Develop Digital Skills and Competencies: Understand and apply strategies to enhance digital literacy, including effective management of digital tools and resources for improved efficiency and productivity in a digital environment. Foster a Strong Digital Community: Learn methods to build and maintain a sense of community in digital settings, focusing on communication techniques, collaboration in virtual teams, and overcoming isolation in remote work. Implement Digital Wellbeing Management Practices: Gain insights into managerial approaches that support digital wellbeing, including setting digital communication policies, ensuring ergonomic setups for remote work, and advocating for a balanced work-life integration. Cultivate Healthy Digital Working Habits: Acquire best practices for healthy digital working habits, such as managing digital information overload, incorporating regular breaks to prevent burnout, and adopting ergonomic practices for remote work settings.
- 8. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS What does healthy habits mean for you? 04
- 9. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Navigating Work-Life Balance in the Digital Era The current landscape of work-life balance has been significantly reshaped by the digitalisation of the workplace. Remote work and digital tools have blurred the lines between professional and personal life, making it more challenging to disconnect. Defining and adhering to healthy digital habits is crucial to prevent burnout and to maintain productivity in this always-connected environment. Establishing these habits ensures that personal time is respected, and mental health is preserved, which is fundamental for long-term career success and personal well-being. Healthy habits such as scheduled breaks, designated work hours, and digital detoxing can create a more sustainable work-life synergy.
- 10. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS The Personal Impact of Healthy Habits Healthy habits are personalised practices that lead to improved well-being and productivity. They encompass making intentional choices that benefit your physical, mental, and emotional health. For you, they might mean setting boundaries with technology to enhance work-life balance. They could also involve adopting routines that promote sustained focus and prevent burnout.
- 11. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Implementing Your Healthy Habits • Take a moment to contemplate which daily practices bring you satisfaction and help you achieve more. These could be habits that sharpen your focus, elevate your mood, or simply provide a sense of accomplishment. • Integrate habits such as regular digital detoxes to declutter your mind, mindful meditation to centre your thoughts, and structured work schedules to optimise your time management. • Customising these habits to fit into your personal routine and align with your lifestyle is key. This may involve setting specific times for breaks, using apps to track your habits, or designating tech-free zones in your home. • Evaluate the positive impacts of these habits on your life. Consider improvements in your concentration, work output, stress levels, and overall happiness. How do these changes contribute to better job performance and a more enjoyable home life?
- 12. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Focus Areas of Digital Wellbeing 05
- 13. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS DWEL Focus Areas Skills and competence Sense of community Management Working practices
- 14. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Skills and Competencies In the comprehensive survey undertaken by the DWEL project, several key skills and competencies emerged as essential in the digital realm. The findings of the DWEL survey highlighted the following as core digital skills: • Creativity and an openness to new ideas and methods. • Fundamental technical knowledge and proficiency in utilising digital tools. • The capability to integrate digital engagement effectively into educational practices. • Digital literacy, encompassing a broad understanding of digital environments. • Time management skills, crucial for navigating the digital landscape efficiently. • A commitment to lifelong learning, with a focus on enhancing existing IT skills and acquiring new ones.
- 15. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS “You also must remember that there isn't just one right way to do things. You should always take the starting points into account and develop digital teaching from your own starting points. It is important for teachers to know themselves and think about what kind of lecturer I am and what kind of lecturer I want to be.” Digital Pedagogy Expert (DWEL study on Digital Wellbeing)
- 16. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Skills and Competencies are Key Areas for Building Healthy Habits The DWEL Survey suggests that users generally express satisfaction with the safety and currentness of the digital tools they have at their disposal. A significant proportion of users acknowledge having access to both secure and up-to-date digital resources. Discussions around the usage of various digital tools and platforms further indicate that the availability of these technologies is not a predominant concern. The core issue seems not to lie in the quality or availability of digital tools. Rather, it hinges on an insufficient skill set to exploit these tools effectively and a lack of dedicated time for users to practice and improve their proficiency. This aligns with academic findings that emphasize the importance of digital literacy and competency as fundamental to maximising the benefits of digital technologies. Without adequate skills and practice time, even the most advanced digital tools may not be utilised to their fullest potential, underscoring the need for continuous learning and development in the digital domain.
- 17. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS How to Build Healthy Habits Maintain a creative and open outlook and discern which specific skills and digital tools will enhance your work. Focus on mastering the tools that are most relevant and beneficial to your daily tasks rather than trying to learn everything. Dedicate time to understanding the essential digital tools and educational techniques. Should your institution not provide sufficient training, actively seek external courses or learning platforms. An abundance of free resources and online courses are available, such as those offered by this platform. Enhancing your skill set and achieving proficiency in necessary digital tools can significantly boost your work-related wellbeing. Engage in peer-to-peer learning and share best practices with colleagues both within and beyond your organisation. Such exchanges can be a rich source of growth and innovation.
- 18. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Learning task List the skills and tools you most need/need to find time to master and discuss the needs with colleagues and peers. Make a realistic plan of where and how to start, one step and tool at a time.
- 19. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Sense of Community Effective communication is fundamental in cultivating a sense of community within an organisation. In the digital era, the role of diverse digital platforms in facilitating communication and information exchange has become increasingly critical. These platforms have markedly transformed the working landscape for staff in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
- 20. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS ”Digital communication environments are various types of integrated communication and collaboration platforms in the workplace that enable information transfer and social interaction between employees through text, audio, video, and graphics” (Sivunen & Laitinen 2020, 41).
- 21. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Sense of Community Several key challenges have been identified in the context of digital environments: • Insufficient training in digital tools, suggesting a need for enhanced digital literacy and skill development. • The shift from face-to-face to distance teaching, posing challenges in adapting to new teaching methods. • The prevalence of cyberbullying, emphasising the importance of digital safety and respectful online interactions. • The necessity for the latest technology, coupled with efficient support services, to keep pace with evolving digital demands. • Communication deficiencies, pointing to the need for improved strategies in digital communication and engagement.
- 22. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS How to Build Healthy Habits In the realm of fostering healthy community habits and enhancing digital well- being, consider the following approaches: • Cultivate peer-to-peer learning environments where experiences and insights can be shared with colleagues and peers. This collaborative learning can enhance knowledge and foster a supportive community. • Actively communicate with your organization's management about specific requirements, such as training needs, support services, and the necessary equipment or tools. Clear communication helps in aligning resources with the actual needs for effective digital engagement. • Embrace and make the most of the hybrid working models that have become more prevalent in the post-COVID era. These models offer flexibility and can contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling work life. • Establish and maintain firm boundaries against cyberbullying. Creating a safe and respectful digital environment is crucial for the well-being of all community members.
- 23. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Learning Task Arrange and schedule informal online meetings with peers and colleagues, that allow for free, informal communication and discussions regularly.
- 24. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS In the context of digital communication environments, there are key factors that workplaces, including Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), need to consider. These factors are crucial for the effective planning and development of digital communication strategies within these institutions. They provide a framework for enhancing digital interactions and ensuring that these environments are efficient, inclusive, and conducive to the goals of the HEI. Management
- 25. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS The following factors are important: 1. How and where is it possible to access the digital communication environment? 2. Opportunities to collaborate in a digital communication environment 3. Control and management of the digital communication environment, which includes the agreed practices 4. Is there also an opportunity to do external collaboration? 5. Recognising different attitudes and expectations concerning digital communication environments 6. (Secure) possibility to share and storage information and data 7. General design of the digital communication environment 8. Visibility
- 26. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS How to Build Healthy Habits Articulate Specific Needs: Clearly express your requirements for training, tools, and skills enhancement to the organisation's management. Detailed communication ensures that your needs are understood and addressed accurately. Collaborative Issue Identification: Engage with peers and colleagues to collectively identify and discuss common issues. Issues recognised by a group are more likely to gain attention and action from management. Leverage Online Platforms and Networks: Utilise digital platforms and professional networks not only for peer support but also to access proven training methodologies and best practices. These resources can offer valuable insights and models for professional development.
- 27. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS More and more employees spend their working days sitting passively in front of a screen, and additional stress is caused by, for example, a constant flood of information. The transition to remote work during COVID-19 made the situation even more difficult for many. Not all employees had an ergonomic home office, and furthermore, many working methods had to be relearned, because ready-made models for remote work did not necessarily exist. Working Habits
- 28. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Aspects of Working Habits Cognitive ergonomics focuses on tailoring work to fit an individual’s cognitive capabilities, ensuring that the demands of managing information and work conditions facilitate smooth workflow. This involves designing tasks and environments that align with the worker's mental processes and capacities. Physical ergonomics, traditionally a focus in most workplaces, gained renewed importance with the rapid shift to remote work in 2020. The increase in home office setups highlighted that not everyone had access to an ergonomic work environment at home. Many workers found themselves adapting to new ways of organizing and scheduling work in this transition. Initially, sufficient breaks, which would naturally occur in a campus setting between meetings and lectures, were often overlooked. Furthermore, the shift to entirely virtual teaching environments was perceived as particularly challenging, underscoring the need for ergonomic considerations in both physical and cognitive aspects of remote work.
- 29. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS How to Build Healthy Habits Set boundaries for online communication (times, means and social etiquette) Identify what communication activities are available for different kinds of tasks and requests from students, peers and/or colleagues. Distinguish between communications platforms that are used as part of a course or study module, and those used for private messaging. Define timeframes you are available on-line/off-line. Establish a Code of Conduct for open platforms, especially when anonymous communication is taking place Importance of breaks – exercise, Dealing with digital information overload Be clear of aims and targets for specific tasks. Identify different types of sources and assess their reliability (especially if utilising information from social media channels). Define the scope and depth appropriate for different kinds of tasks and assignments. Take care of your eye muscles, arms, neck, fingers and wrists to avoid physical distress and headaches.
- 30. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Learning Task Schedule in breaks, as well as “silent time”, when you turn your e-mails and other reminders off.
- 31. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Learning Task Consider your working habits… • Do you get enough time when you are “unavailable”? • Do you have time and opportunities to interact with your peers and colleagues? • Do you allow yourself to turn the work phone and e-mails into silent mode?
- 32. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Conclusions and Inspiration from Best Practices 06
- 33. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS The challenges for digital wellbeing are often centered around setting clear boundaries for work, including defining the timing, tools, and conditions under which work is performed. A key issue is the ease with which digital tools enable work outside of traditional working hours. This has led to a blurring of the lines between work and leisure time, potentially leading to an overwhelming work experience. While not a new phenomenon, the digital environment has intensified this issue. For instance, it's common for individuals to check emails outside of work hours or even during vacations, with some feeling an expectation to be available around the clock, especially in roles like education where there is direct interaction with students. This trend highlights a mix of benefits and drawbacks in the increasingly digital work environment that affects many people. Reflecting on these aspects can provide insights into their impact on individual digital wellbeing. Conclusions on Building Healthy Habits
- 34. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS “One phenomena identified is FOMO = Fear of missing out. In the context of working life, FOMO means that something essential in terms of work or work-related communication will be missed. It is difficult for an employee to limit the use of work- related digital channels to working hours.” (Pirkkalainen, Tarafdar, Salo & Markkonen 2022).
- 35. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Remote and hybrid ways of working may: Save time in not having to travel to and from work Allow more flexible hours and hence improve work/life integration Digital tools in general (whether remote or live) allow for enormous on-line resources and can add to quality and versatility in teaching and communicating with students and colleagues Lack of social interaction and informal peer-to-peer discussions can lead to feelings of isolation and social exclusion May arouse overwhelming needs to be constantly available / increased working hours Frequent experiences of constant distractions and interruptions through different communication channels and social media On-line anonymity enables cyber-bullying and non-constructive ways of communication
- 36. DIGITAL WELLBEING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION LECTURERS Learning Task Go through the previous list, consider each bullet point and how that corresponds to Your specific situation. Add bullet points from your own experience and take up a discussion with colleagues and peers.