Critical Optimism with Digital Thriving

12 Mar 2025
Beck Tench
Beck Tench
Designer and Researcher, Harvard Center for Digital Thriving
Holly Kelly
Holly Kelly
Human-Centered Technology Specialist, Learning Technology Center
Linda DeYounge
Linda DeYounge
Program Manager of Online Learning, Learning Technology Center

Video Episode

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Episode Notes

We are all know what it’s like to teach and learn with technology. But in recognition of March’s SEL Week, we’re asking a bigger question: What does it mean to thrive with technology?

Educators and students alike are surrounded by tech every day, but the line between using it with purpose and feeling consumed by it isn’t always clear.

In this episode, we explore how we, as educators, can take control of our digital lives with Beck Tench (Harvard Center for Digital Thriving) and Holly Kelly (Learning Technology Center). We’ll also dive into critical optimism — how to embrace what technology offers while remaining mindful of its challenges — and how schools can create spaces where both students and educators feel empowered in their tech use.

Whether you are feeling burnt out by constant scrolling or trying to navigate tech use in your classroom, tune in to start on the path from surviving to thriving.

Interview Guests

Beck Tench | Designer and Researcher, Harvard Center for Digital Thriving

Holly Kelly | Human-Centered Tech Specialist, Learning Technology Center

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Beck Tench
Beck Tench
Designer and Researcher, Harvard Center for Digital Thriving

Holly Kelly
Holly Kelly
Human-Centered Technology Specialist, Learning Technology Center

Holly assists educators throughout the state in addressing digital responsibility, fostering positive online behaviors, and enhancing social-emotional skills among students.

Linda DeYounge
Linda DeYounge
Program Manager of Online Learning, Learning Technology Center

Linda designs, develops, and evaluates the LTC’s digital professional learning, including working with subject matter experts to create learning objectives, conducting needs assessments, and delivering interactive online PD opportunities.