Engaging the Māori e-learner: Instructional technology, design, & delivery

Abstract

Engagement is paramount to the academic success on a Māori tertiary student studying in an e-learning environment. Using an interpretive framework, this research explores the varied ways of engaging the Māori e-learner by drawing on narrative data collected during in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Eight Māori professionals with a preference toward e-learning were invited to participate in this research as they were seen as being academically prepared, technically competent, and capable of finding their way around a virtual learning environment.

With the influence of technology infused into the education system, finding ways to engage the Maori e-learner was viewed as being both complex and challenging, due to the diversity, attitude and belief of Māori professionals. It was anticipated that data gathered in this research could be used to provide new pedagogical strategies and methods to engage the Maori e-learner. Additionally, and significantly such approaches are a reflection of innovative and motivational concepts as perceived by Māori professionals and have the potential to assist tutors online engagement. Overall, it was found that Māori professionals have identified a number of factors that may help academic staff to engage their students. For example, culturally responsive e-learning environments that value Māori ways of learning may be deemed as invaluable for the Māori e-learner.