February 19, 2014
Reo on smartphone way of future
A Whakatane academic has come up with an app to help people learn Maori using their smartphones and mobile devices.
Dr Rapata Wiri from Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi says the app Te Pumanawa is the culmination of over 15 years of research and teaching on Maori language revitalisation and mobile learning.
He says older generations need to accept that te reo Maori is in danger of extinction if they do not embrace digital technology in the revitalisation effort.
Te Pumanawa consists of nine interactive modules in Maori language and culture and includes more than 100 educational games, quizzes and assessments.
It has acquired New Zealand Qualifications Authority accreditation as a Maori language short award certificate.
A free trial of it is available on iTunes and Google Play Store.
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