SIDLIT 2024

To be clear, this session is NOT about apps, websites, software, or other digital technologies as mental health resources (although the topic may come up, it is not the session's focus). Instead, we will consider how HUMAN technology is readily available and can be a valuable asset in supporting our students' and colleagues' mental health and well-being in higher education.
Consider Merriam-Webster's definitions of technology:
• the practical application of knowledge, especially in a particular area (i.e., medical technology)
• a capability given by the practical application of knowledge (i.e., a car's fuel-saving technology)
• a manner of accomplishing a task, especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge (i.e., new technologies for information storage)
• the specialized aspects of a particular field of endeavor (i.e., educational technology)
Given these definitions, what human technologies do we have to support the well-being of others and ourselves? We are in the midst of a mental health crisis. As adult educators – not licensed mental health providers – we may feel hesitant or ill-equipped to step into the mental health arena. However, research indicates there are not enough mental health providers to go around, resulting in a substantial unmet need for students in higher education (Lederer et al., 2021). Given the enormity of the crisis, our adult learners need us to step up. We may not be able to diagnose and treat someone struggling with mental health issues clinically. Still, we have many other human technologies available to us, but only if we learn how and are willing to use them.
Let’s discuss. What human technologies are available to us? How can we help? What can we do? Bring your ideas and your voice to the conversation.