Exciting changes are happening in the Pacific region’s education sector, bringing about a revolutionary transformation that aims to benefit the public and improve educational opportunities for all.
This wave of change has been triggered by the Waka Moana Learning Hub (WM-LH), a groundbreaking project by the University of the South Pacific – Institute of Education dedicated to addressing the educational needs of Pacific educators. This initiative is supported by the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) and the USP Information Technology Services division.
The Waka Moana Learning Hub was virtually launched on June 28.
The WM-LH serves as a tangible manifestation of the PacREF’s vision and objectives. It is designed to contribute to specific outcomes identified in the PacREF Rolling Plan. For example, PacREF Outcome 11 emphasises the importance of strengthening the capacity of teachers and education officials. The WM-LH directly supports this outcome by providing free access to resources, professional learning materials, and research findings to enhance teaching practices and professional development.
By directly addressing the priorities and outcomes outlined in the PacREF Rolling Plan, the WM-LH contributes to the collective efforts towards improving education in the Pacific region.
What is the Waka Moana Learning Hub?
The WM-LH is designed as the catalyst for addressing the gaps and difficulties experienced by educators throughout the Pacific region. The initiative aims to provide easy and seamless access to learning resources, creating a confluence where knowledge and innovation meet. WM-LH’s primary goal is to amplify educational growth by providing educators with comprehensive, research-based resources, reaching the farthest corners of the Pacific with top-notch education resources.
PacREF coordinator, Mr Filipe Jitoko added that the WMLH provides a platform for countries in the Pacific region to share resources and learn from each other’s experiences.
“This collaboration shows the value of regional institutions in supporting the PacREF participating countries in their national education development through the principle of regionalism.”
He applauds the IOE – USP for its vision, creativity, and dedication to developing the Waka Moana Learning Hub.
“By adopting a multi-dimensional approach incorporating online, print/in-person, and radio mediums, IOE has taken a crucial step towards ensuring widespread access to educational resources across the Pacific region.”
Why Waka Moana Learning Hub?
There has been a longstanding necessity for a more focused approach to making educational resources readily accessible to educators in the Pacific region. WM-LH steps in to fill this space, using cutting-edge technology and bringing together a network of industry leaders, professionals, and scholars who are driven by a shared vision. Thus, the hub is not just an educational platform, but a vibrant community of educators pooling resources for mutual growth.
What Can You Expect from the Waka Moana Learning Hub?
The commitment at Waka Moana Learning Hub extends beyond providing mere educational resources. It also invests in creating a nurturing environment where educators are granted the chance to increase their teaching effectiveness and broaden their professional network.
WM-LH provides:
- Comprehensive Online Repository: Access free educational resources for literacy, numeracy, and ‘non-cognitive skills’ in classrooms and professional development.
- Tailored Content: Get country-specific materials, including curriculum documents, through secure logins for personalised learning.
- Remote Learning Support: Authorized logins enable students and teachers to use the platform during emergency situations.
- Potential Diaspora Access: Plans to provide free access to the online platform for the wider Pacific diaspora, extending educational opportunities.
The hub also provides offline access through the Tano‘a Resource Centre, professional editing of resources, collaborative development, and addresses challenges like academic underperformance, all while streamlining operations and fostering solid collaborations.
The journey begins and where to from here?
“By investing in our educators, we can guarantee a more prosperous future for our learners in the Pacific,” said IOE Director Dr Seu‘ula Johansson-Fua.
“Thus, WM-LH is more than just a Learning Hub – it is a vessel that propels us towards our shared vision of educational advancements and success. As we continue to expand our reach, we invite all educators across the Pacific who desire growth and professional development to join us. Be a part of this revolutionary journey as we sail together into the future of education – with Waka Moana Learning Hub,” Dr Johansson-Fua added.
The WM-LH embodies a beacon of hope for Pacific educators, standing as a symbol of the unlimited growth and development that can be achieved when technology and education merge.
So, are you ready to experience an educational transformation? Register today and let the Waka Moana Learning Hub guide you to becoming the exceptional educator you were destined to be! Together, we can navigate the educational landscape of the Pacific towards greatness.
For more information on the Waka Moana Learning Hub, click here – www.usp.ac.fj/institute-of-education/
