Questions about Equity

I have been reflecting about these questions:

• How is your virtual space connected – not just to the internet, but with learners’ lives & realities, across subject areas, with the community, and with students’ identities?

• Will your virtual learning space reproduce white colonial methodologies and practice? In other words, is your online learning basically replicating your face-to-face practice which hasn’t worked for Māori learners in the first place?

• Are you recreating a “pedagogy of poverty” (Haberman) or poor teaching for poor kids (worksheets, drill and practice computer exercises, activities without purpose, low-level activities, low expectations, ‘busy’ work)?

• How is it critical?  Do your projects, enquiries, contexts for study, critique and analyse societal conditions and attitudes through a Māori lens?

• How does it give learners choices and control over their learning?

• Does it understand whanaungatanga i.e. how does it reflect the crucial importance of relationships that are built on trust, advocacy and respect in a virtual environment?

• Are you basing your assumptions about students’ learning environments, the capacity of that environment, the access to technology and support for learning virtually, on the realities of your students, or on your own experience? How do you know your student isn’t trying to write your NCEA assignment on Mum’s phone which is also being used by other whanau members all trying to do their schoolwork?

• Neutrality is a position. Technology and virtual learning are not culturally neutral. How is your virtual planning actively mitigating this truth? If you are using digital content and curriculum you found online, or is provided by others – who wrote it, whose perspective is paramount and legitimised, and whose agenda does it fit?

• If you took an honest look at the learning you are planning, would you say it is intentionally culturally sustaining – or is it culture-erasing i.e. is it one-size-fits-all

I think that reflecting on this has made it easier to decide how to use online learning. I initially sent out a survey. I was thinking about how I plan my usual Puna Ako class. I asked for feedback and 6 families replied (out of 17). I have noticed that access to technology and Wi-Fi is a huge barrier and that language is probably a barrier too. 

I also attended the eliminating white spaces online webinar with Anne Milne. I can't help but notice it is the Pasfika and Māori whānau who are finding it harder to connect.