This was an informative workshop - we started off with the 'Lalaga' cards, questions that were designed to 'connect' or create talanoa/korero with your learners/colleagues.
However we had an interesting talanoa/korero with our learners who don't know their whakapapa/gafa/genealogy. Alot of the learners parents aren't aware of their genealogy, an opportunity to ask family who are still present.
We ran out of time to utilise 'iMovie', however there is a new feature on google slides, to record yourself. I recorded my Pepeha using my DFI visual pepeha slides. I had to change my pepeha and include both my parents details. As I'm Samoan, we don't have associations of river and mountains, but we have 'villages' that our parents have been raised. I didn't include it in this recording - but will definitely include this in the next one.
This morning, my first workshop was led by Manaiakalani Facilitator and Project Lead Matt Goodwin, titled "Bring Lessons to Life with AI Animations."
Matt used three AI tools: Lalamu Studio, Meta's AI Research, and Adobe Express (Animate from Audio). Here are a couple of things to consider when using these sites with our learners:
Ethical Consideration: Consider using photos or animations of our learners' faces online. Since this information is kept on-site, it's important to remind our learners about being Cybersmart.
Free tiers and limitations: These free sites have limitations on usage. They may offer credits/vouchers or renew free credit monthly. Upgrading to "premium" features typically comes with a cost.
Lalamu via Canva: Text to lip sync animation. It works directly from Canva and works best with text for lip syncing. I used this site to insert one of my student's stories and chose a female avatar to read her story.
It's an awesome tool to use, for our learners to hear and proofread their work. One of the downside of this free AI tool, it doesn't include reading with punctuation.
Meta's AI Research: allows users to create animations, by drawing a character, uploading it on the site and select what movements you'd like your character to consider eg: running, walking, facial expressions etc.
Adobe Express (Animate from Audio) Allows users to record their voice, but using an animation. Quite catchy for our learners to use this for their play recordings?
Will definitely give this a go for our learners to 'create' from their lessons.
"Tautua i le alofa, manuia le lumana'i" - Serve in love for a blessed future.
Used 'lalaga' cards to 'weave' talanoa (conversations) used to 'bridge the gap'.
In a world that's all about being digitally connected but often feels emotionally disconnected, a bunch of awesome Pasifika women have come up with a cool way to bridge that gap and make real human connections.
Lalaga is a card game whipped up by Torisse Laulu and her crew (Gabby Manu, Lauren Wepa, and Atelaite Mapa). It's all about bringing back the art of conversation with a mix of warmth, humour, and meaningful chats.
"Lalaga" means 'to weave,' and it's more than just a game—it's a chance to reconnect with mates, whānau, or even new faces in a heartfelt way. With five levels of questions and prompts, you can customise your kōrero and dive into all sorts of topics.
On another note, I've been exploring the 'Open Art Studio Approach,' where you pick an animal (I went for the 'owl') and use materials in a 'play-based approach.'
The 'sandtray' is a standout feature, offering sensory modulation and self-regulation, helping learners show their default age responses. Adding water into the mix lets learners talk about what's going on in their battles.
Mixing in drawing, painting, clay, and interactive games brings balance, moving in and out of 'working at depth.' As learners get into it, they kōrero more in everyday life as their well-being gets a boost.
With a positive psychology focus in group activities like painting, each arts therapist crafts their own approach. The 'Art Therapy - Whakaora Toi' model includes self-reflection (hinengaro), transformational engagement, relationships, aesthetic skills (manawatia), and lifestyle developments (manawaora).
Mauri Tui Tuia (Creative Therapies NZ) is all about this creative approach. @MauriTuiTuia
Next up, I'm keen to dive deeper into these approaches and see how they can further enrich our learning environment. Keen to see where this journey takes us!
"We should not be defined by the smallness of our islands, but by the greatness of our oceans". by Dr Epeli Hau'ofa.
This quote was the epitomy of the Pasifika Conference,
During the school holidays, we registered for this 2024 Pasifika Conference. This was my first time attending a Union conference for Pasifika professionals who work alongside our Pasifika learners within New Zealand.
From the beginning of the conference till the end, lot of humour was used to dampen the blow of confronting statistics of our Pasifika learners. Issues as equitably, racism, misunderstanding and colonisation with our learners within our western education structures.
A few key note speakers shed light of how "forecasting our authenticity" by 'identity, language, digital spaces and 'va'.
Even networking alongside other Pasifika practitioners of how they've been able to use 'identity, language, digital spaces and va for sustainability.
There was a lot of 'rich' workshops that dived deep in our multi-dimensional culture and how we no longer be a bystander and how can we make a difference. Each speaker tells their story of how change can happen intentionally.
"Why does our cultural knowledge matter? ... "
* it's unique
* it's multi-dimensional
* it is necessary
"Find their stories, bring them to the classrooms .. "
Overall this workshop was enlightening, reminders of how we're to 'find our learners' stories and bring them to the classroom (fostering & cultivating an environment of learning).
