Hostname: page-component-76fb5796d-vfjqv Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-26T15:56:04.077Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Linking Learning to Community for Indigenous Computing Courses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 July 2015

Cat Kutay
Affiliation:
Computer Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
Janet Mooney
Affiliation:
Koori Centre, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
Get access

Abstract

Since its inception, Problem-based learning (PBL) as a process for learning and teaching has been used to enhance many skills based courses, including education programs at Bachelor College and the Aboriginal Technical Health Worker training program at the Centre for Appropriate Technology in Alice Springs. While PBL is an approach to learning and teaching which has been designed to provide a more holistic educational process for all students, Foster and Meehane (2007) suggest that many aspects of the courses are ideally suited for Indigenous students. In particular, this approach is useful when introducing students to a subject matter which is new both in being derived from another culture and not being accessible to Indigenous parents in the past. PBL provides a flexible approach to enable motivation and involvement of the students and their community. This paper considers the benefits of PBL for learning Information Technology and presents some course templates developed to support teaching Indigenous students at school.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Brady, F. (2007). Learning to internet bank. In Dyson, L.E., Hendriks, M. & Grant, S. (Eds.), Information technology and Indigenous people (pp. 8092). London: Information Technology Publications.Google Scholar
Christie, M. (2007, July). Indigenous knowledge: Beyond protection towards dialogue. Paper presented at the Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Knowledge Conference, Sydney, Australia.Google Scholar
DAA. (2003). Two ways together: New South Wales Aboriginal Affairs Plan 2003-2012. Sydney NSW: NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Retrieved 27 June, 2007, from http://www.daa.nsw.gov.au/data/files//FinalPOLICY.pdf.Google Scholar
Department of Education – DET (2003). Quality Teaching in NSW Public Schools (Discussion Paper). Retrieved 9 August, 2007, from https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/proflearn/areas/qt/resources.htm#1.Google Scholar
Dyson, L. E., Hendriks, M., & Grant, S. (2007). Information technology and Indigenous people. London: Information Technology Publications.Google Scholar
Finucane, P. M., Johnson, S. M., & Prideaux, D. J. (1998). Problem based learning: Its rationale and efficacy. E-Medical Journal of Australia, 168, 445448. Retrieved 9 August, 2007, from http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/may4/finucane/finucane.html.Google Scholar
Foster, R., & Meehan, M. (2007). Problem-based online learning and Indigenous tertiary education: Reflections on Implementation. In Dyson, L. E., Hendriks, M. & Grant, S. (Eds.), Information technology and Indigenous people (pp. 132135). London: Information Technology Publications.Google Scholar
Harris, S. (1990). Two-way Aboriginal schooling, education and cultural survival. Canberra, ACT: Aboriginal Studies Press.Google Scholar
Nakata, K. (1999). Knowledge as a social medium. New Generation Computing, 77(4), 395405.Google Scholar
Nakata, M. (2006). Evaluation of the Northern Territory library's libraries and knowledge centres model. Archives and Manuscripts, 38, 2.Google Scholar
Nicholls, C., Crowley, V., & Watt, R. (1996). Theorising Aboriginal education: Surely it's time to move on? Education Australia, 33, 69.Google Scholar
Nicholls, C., Crowley, V., & Watt, R. (1998). Black and white educational theorizing: An evaluation of “Aboriginal learning styles” theory on Australian Aboriginal Education. Ngoonjook: A Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues, 15, 3260.Google Scholar
Peat, D. (1996). Blackfoot physics, an exploration of the Native American Universe. Grand Rapids, MI: Phanes Press.Google Scholar
Stuurman, S. (2007, July). Ecological sustainahility from an Indigenous perspective. Paper presented at the Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Knowledge Conference, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.Google Scholar