Underpinning theory and practice with kaupapa Māori: Mobile learning framework

My friend and colleague whaea Yo Heta-Lensen has observed that "online and blended learning courses are often written to instructional design guidelines that have been developed from a specific theoretical viewpoint taking a one-size fits all approach that cares little for indigenous knowledges" (Heta-Lensen, in press).

It was great, therefore, to see He Whare Ako He Whare Hangarau, work done by Dr Acushla Sciascia and Dr Claudio Aguayo, as part of the NPF14LMD - Learners and Mobile Devices Ako Aotearoa National Fund Project.  Would be good to read your thoughts and reactions :)

Acushla and Claudio share that the He Whare Ako, He Whare Hangarau framework weaves "kaupapa Maori theories, values and approaches to learning and teaching (ako) and provides distinct mobile learning parallels of theory and practice, conceptualised into the visual of a metaphorical wharenui (traditional meeting house). The framework depicts the relationship between ako and mLearning and engages a range of pedagogies that are culturally responsive and that are open to the affordances of technologies. The framework is a values-based approach to understanding the role of mobile devices in the learning context".

Key objectives include:

• Locating the teacher/learner at the centre and consider both as co-learners / co-teachers
• Underpinning theory and practice with kaupapa Māori values such as whanaungatanga, kotahitanga, whakamana, manaakitanga, etc
• Weaving mLearning theories and frameworks that espouse best practice   teaching and learning strategies using technology
• Encouraging new approaches and pedagogies for teaching and learning that are culturally responsive
• Conceptualising how the affordances of mobile learning and devices contributes to the learning process and overall learner experience

You can read an overview here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-PzrzVpHIroNGhDSVF6elR4UUU/view, and watch the video below as well as access the accompanying Prezi presentation.
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Ka Hikitia: Phase 5 (2010-2012) report

Jill Parfitt kindly shared the latest report on Te Kotahitanga effectiveness to be released by the Ministry: KA HIKITIA - A Demonstration Report Effectiveness of Te Kotahitanga Phase 5 2010-2012.
An excerpt from an introduction to the report reads:

Notably, Effectiveness of Te Kotahitanga Phase 5, 2010-12 finds that: “the achievement of Māori students (as measured by NCEA levels 1–3) in Phase 5 schools improved at around three times the rate of Māori in the comparison schools,” “the proportion of Māori students coming back into year 13 increased markedly in Phase 5 schools,” and “by 2012 the number of year 13 students achieving NCEA level 3 in Phase 5 schools was nearly three times what it had been four years earlier.” (p. 2)

Te Kotahitanga was a gem of a program from an international perspective, not only for its sound theoretical basis, its well-conceptualized model of teacher professional development, and its positive impact on Māori student outcomes, but also for its consistently wise use of research. (p.3)

Image: Kahu huruhuru. CC ( BY NC ND ) licensed Flickr image by hazelowendmc: https://flic.kr/p/jzwj5P