Using technology in the classroom

A new publication from Pacific Resources for Education and Learning and the University of Hawaii at Manoa features Pacific teachers and provides information about using multimedia technology in classrooms with diverse learners.

Called Pacific Voices: Integrating Multimedia Technology and Culture into Education, A Curriculum Resource, it summarizes the experiences of educators in the U.S.-affiliated Pacific who participated in a project designed to give voice to students and teachers through the use of technology such as digital video cameras and desktop editing tools. The results are applicable to classrooms around the world.

The book describes how to use software and hardware in the classroom (including assistive technologies for special needs students) and contains sample instructional units. The instructional units help teachers integrate technology into the study of literacy, language arts, cultural studies, and environmental science. The activities that are discussed also illustrate the use of technology to strengthen local culture and traditions, by filming or recording storytellers, songs, or chants, for example, or by interviewing elders.

Pacific Voices is available from PREL for $15. To order a copy, visit PREL’s product database at http://ppo.prel.org.

The following schools and communities are part of the Pacific Voices network: San Antonio Elementary and San Vicente Elementary in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Leatele Elementary, Olomoana Elementary, and Matafao Elementary in American Samoa; Sapuk Elementary and Xavier High School in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM); Price Elementary in Guam; Anuenue School, Eleele School, and Fern Elementary in Hawaii; Sansrik Elementary in Kosrae, FSM; Harris Elementary in the Republic of Palau; Ohmine Elementary in Pohnpei, FSM; Ebeye Elementary and Rita Elementary in the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and Maap Elementary in Yap, FSM.

For more information about Pacific Voices, contact Kavita Rao by phone at (808) 441-1358, or at raok@prel.org.

PREL is a nonprofit corporation that works collaboratively with school systems to enhance education in Hawaii, the Pacific, the Asia Pacific region, and beyond. For further information, contact Julian Heinz by phone at (808) 441-1382 or visit the PREL website at www.prel.org. (PR)