Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 39, Number 11, 1 November 2022 — Kanaka Digital Technology [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Kanaka Digital Technology

By Nā'aiakalani Colburn Young, motivated Hawaiians who would like to learn basic technology skills, while being immersed in Hawaiian values, eultural practices and language, ean now earn a Micro-Credential in Kanaka Digital Technology. EA Ecoversity is now accepting registrations for this latest EA E-Learning course with preference given to young Hawaiians ages 15-30 who want to heeome EA Ecoversity learners and work towards a diploma certifying them as educated 21st century Hawaiians. To apply visit kuakanaka.com. The Kanaka Digital Technology course opens on Nov. 1 but learners may continue to apply through Nov. 14 whieh is when registration for the course will ofīicially close. Space is limited. The course will run from November 2022 to February 2023 and introduce emerging Hawaiians to basic 21st century technology, of vital importance not only for pursuing higher education, but for all entering the workforce. Kanaka Digital Technology requires no previous knowledge of technology, however participants will need a computer and reliable access to WIFI. And Kanaka Digital Technology is asynchronous,

meaning activities ean be completed anytime and anywhere there is internet access. All lessons are highly interactive and designed ffom a Hawaiian worldview. No previous knowledge of Hawaiian language or culture required. In addition to basic digital tech skills, learners will learn how to use technology creatively and ethically as they kūlia i ka nu'u (strive for the summit). All participants who successfully complete

the course earn a Kanaka Digital Technology Micro-Cre-dential displayed in their E-Portfolio, whieh they will create as part of this course. "Currently 83% of Hawaiians have no post-secondary credentials, compared to 42% statewide, making it extremely difficult to survive in Hawai'i," said EA Ecoversity Executive Director Pōlanimakamae Kahakalau-Kali-ma (27), a mother of three. "We want to provide our generation with the eeonomie power that will enahle us to stay in our kulāiwi and raise our keiki here. One way to do this is to grow confident, self-motivated, culturally grounded Hawaiians who are proficient in utilizing digital tools to integrate 'ike Hawai'i as they heeome creators of information about Hawai'i and Hawaiians."

EA Ecoversity Executive Director Pōlani Kahakalau-Kalima explaining next steps in creating educational opportunities for young Native Hawaiians. - Photo: Courtesy

Kanaka Digital Technology is one of many EA E-Learn-ing courses sponsored by EA Ecoversity, a tuition-free culture-based higher education and career training program for young Hawaiians. EA stands for Education with Aloha since EA E-learning immerses participants in an atmosphere of aloha while they earn micro-credentials, captured in a digital portfolio. Kanaka Digital Technology was designed by the Kū-A-Kanaka EA E-Learning SEE KANAKA DIGITAL TECHN0L0GY ON PAGE 12

Team under the direction of award-win-ning educator Dr. Kū Kahakalau and is supported by the Kamehameha Schools. Kū-A-Kanaka is a Native Hawaiian owned and operated social enterprise headquartered in Hilo, providing eul-ture-based products and services for a pono Hawai'i. Kū-A-Kanaka's fiscal sponsor is Ho'oulu Lāhui, a Hawai'i Island nonprofit organization.

KANAKA DIGITAL TECHN0L0GY Continued from page 10

Since modern online learning platforms are all framed from a linear, Western perspective, Kahakalau and her team of researchers have spent the last decade conceptualizing and wireff aming 'īpuka EA, an Indigenous Learning Exploration Platform that will set new standards in Hawaiian online education. ■

Fundraising efforts are currently underway to begin to code 'Ipuka EA, whieh will allow young Hawaiians to earn FREE post-secondary Micro-Credentials that increase their employability, while educating Hawaiians of all ages about our native language, values and culture. Tax-deductible donations ean be made at kuakanaka.com. For more updates or info about Kanaka Digital Technology, EA Ecoversity or Kū-A-Kanaka, follow Kū-A-Kanaka on Instagram or Eaeehook or visit www.kuakanaka.com. Naaiakalani Colburn is a native Hawaiian mother, educator, Hawaiian language advocate and community contributor. An employee of Kū-A-Kanaka, Colburn is a vital part ofthe EA E-Learning Team, as well as the 'lpuka EA Design and Fundraising Teams.