As digital learning environments have become increasingly common, educators are tasked with rethinking their approaches to fostering meaningful student interactions. The transition from in-person to virtual settings fundamentally changes how teachers connect with learners, often removing the familiar cues of body language, eye contact, and tone of voice that help build rapport in traditional classrooms. Without these face-to-face interactions, conveying a sense of human connection and care becomes more challenging. However, the absence of physical presence does not reduce the need for empathy—it amplifies it. Caring and building supportive relationships are even more critical in online teaching, where students may feel isolated or disconnected from their peers and instructors. The virtual environment demands that educators consciously and creatively find ways to communicate care, empathy, and support to ensure that students feel engaged, valued, and connected despite the physical distance.