The Waka Moana Learning Hub (WMLH) has set sail on a transformative journey, aiming to revolutionize education in the Pacific region with its e-launch.
With teachers, teacher trainees, and education officials as the primary beneficiaries, the WMLH offers a plethora of resources, professional learning materials, and research findings to support literacy, numeracy, and non-cognitive skills development. This momentous initiative is the result of a collaboration involving the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF), UNESCO, GPE, and the Institute of Education (IoE). It is a key step towards fostering positive change in Pacific classrooms.
Education is the cornerstone of personal growth and societal development. It is the key to unlocking opportunities and creating a brighter future. However, ensuring quality education for all remains a significant challenge. As such, the launch of the Waka Moana Learning Hub (WMLH) promises to be a game-changer in supporting teachers, teacher trainees, and education officials in the participating countries.
The Waka Moana Learning Hub will become a one-stop-shop of resources for the teaching and learning of literacy, numeracy, and non-cognitive skills. This comprehensive repository will provide educators with the necessary tools and materials to enhance classroom instruction. By equipping teachers with effective resources, the WMLH aims to improve student outcomes and bridge educational disparities.
One of the key advantages of the WMLH is the provision of free access to professional learning materials. Teachers often face challenges in keeping up with the latest pedagogical techniques and educational research. The WMLH addresses this issue by offering a wealth of professional learning materials that empower teachers to continually develop their teaching practices. By staying updated with evidence-based strategies, educators can deliver high-quality instruction and adapt to the evolving needs of their students.
Moreover, the WMLH ensures that research findings are readily available in accessible formats such as infographics, fact sheets, and short videos/voice recordings. This accessibility promotes the dissemination of relevant research within the education community, fostering a culture of evidence-based practice. By incorporating research-led strategies, educators can implement effective teaching methods and contribute to improved student achievement.
The resources provided by the WMLH cater to various needs, including classroom use, ongoing professional learning, and the development of research-led practice. By equipping educators with the necessary tools and knowledge, the WMLH facilitates the implementation of effective teaching strategies and promotes educational excellence.
In addition to supporting literacy and numeracy education, the WMLH also focuses on the development of ‘non-cognitive skills’ and ‘technology-enhanced learning (TEL)’. These areas are crucial for preparing students to thrive in the modern world.
Infrastructure-wise, the WMLH is hosted and managed by the USP ITS division, with a dedicated server located at the Suva campus. The ongoing maintenance, servicing, updates, and management of the MOODLE learning platform, which forms the backbone of the WMLH, will be handled by designated staff within the USP ITS division. The content for the WMLH will be collected, curated, and uploaded by the IoE Waka Publications program staff, while the responsibility for content management will be undertaken by the IoE. The IoE and USP ITS have continued to strengthen partnership for this project.
The launch of the Waka Moana Learning Hub represents a significant step towards empowering educators and improving education in the participating countries. By providing free access to a diverse range of resources, professional learning materials, and research findings, the WMLH equips educators with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance teaching practices and support student learning. Through this collaborative effort, the WMLH aims to promote inclusive and quality education, ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed.
