Abstract:

This paper will examine and discusses developments in technological advancement pertaining to the education of te reo Māori language. Examining these technological platforms as they relate to the education of te reo Māori requires the investigation of how cultural knowledge through Te Reo Māori and Tikanga can be upheld and shared. It looks at the threats and opportunities to Māori education providers, Māori students, iwi, hapū and whānau.

The underlying research question this paper will attempt to answer: What are the key factors that Māori need to consider to enhance learning te reo Maori through the development of future technological platforms?

The paper is constructed into two sections; these consist of both background secondary data information and primary data collection of case studies, which focuses on technology. This includes the use of internet applications, mobile and wireless technologies pertaining to the education of te reo Maori. In addition the diverse issues surrounding cultural knowledge, which includes issues for Maori.

With the convergence of telephony, mobility and access to the world-wide-web, there are increasing challenges and opportunities for Māori educators to deliver learning resources effectively and efficiently. The broadcasting platform through the Internet provides Māori the opportunity to record, develop and disseminate te reo Māori language. Of greatest significance has been the opportunity to take the best from our past, our te reo Māori, which we regard as a taonga and integrate it into a digital platform that can be accessed globally at anytime (Ka’ai, Keiha, Moorfield & Spooner, 2008).

Furthermore from a Māori worldview perspective in the development of information technology and future technological platforms, the principals of kaitiakitangi, whanangatanga, manaakitanga, are a fundamental basis (Durie,1997) by which Māori could traverse the rapid growth and convergence of technology in education. The common foundations of trust, shared experiences and locality have proved to be significant in the number of levels of Māori participating in future technology and education platforms.

Keywords:

Maori language, New Zealand, technology, mobile wireless, internet, education.