Digital Workspace
ISTELive 25: The Intersection of Indigenous Culture and Technology
From solving problems — how do you shake the bells on a jingle dress when your robot can’t jump up and down? — to interacting with First Nations peoples in a virtual world, technology can bring traditional indigenous viewpoints into a modern classroom.
Minecraft Education’s A Pacific Northwest Coast Experience transports students to a native village where they must unlearn the usual rules of the game. Instead of hoarding resources, as is common in Minecraft, characters in the game teach K–12 students the importance of sustainable living. The immersive format of this lesson honors the First Nations teaching that learning should be experiential and holistic.
Technology is also preserving cultural traditions and languages. Educators can bring these teachings into their classrooms and communities, but they must approach these viewpoints with respect and an understanding of their own bias.
EXPLORE: Start building a modern classroom that reflects and enhances your K–12 community.
Participants
Elaine Westbrook, Assistant Professor, Montana State University Billings
Robert Cowie, District Indigenous Resource Teacher, School District 43 (Coquitlam), British Columbia
Josh Whetherholt, Esports Learning Environment Adviser, CDW•G
Video Highlights
- Technology can preserve indigenous traditions, bring communities together and immerse students in cultural lessons.
- The Minecraft Education module A Pacific Northwest Coast Experience takes students to a First Nations village where they learn about sustainability, geography and more.
- Blending indigenous views with western views can help all learners develop a new perspective for their lessons and the world around them.
