13090

13090

General Session - Conference Presentation Only (20 minutes, no formal paper)

Kathleen Klinger, National University, La Jolla, CA, USA, kklinger@nu.edu Abe Correia, Waianae, HI, USA, abecorreiagap@yahoo.com
 * MELE: A Culture-based Metaphoric Distance Learning Program **

Web 2.0 tools, multimedia resources, and mobile learning platforms facilitate and transform an onsite culture-based workshop into MELE: a dynamic online metaphoric distance learning program with mentoring strategies customized by, and for, Polynesian communities. MELE is an acronym for Metaphoric Educational Learning Experiences. The culture-based MELE program delivers age-appropriate curricula infused with Polynesian values and traditions that empower and enable volunteer community mentors to work effectively with at-risk youth through culturally-sensitive relationships measured online with predefined goals, objectives, and measurable benchmarks. The MELE program includes online courses with technology supported learning that blend traditions, values, and instructor/student-generated videos into a symbiotic learning environment using Web 2.0 tools like Xtranormal for avatar video animations; Facebook for social interaction with peers; and YouTube for student-generated video dissemination as open educational resources (OER) for Polynesian communities.

All Audiences Distant Learning Program,Culture, Online, Metaphors, Learning Styles, Communities of Learners, Volunteers, Volunteer Mentors, Collaboration, Creativity, Dissemination, Blended Modes, Technology Supported Learning