He Whare Ako App

The ‘He Whare Ako App’ is an interactive educational tool presenting a culturally responsive mobile learning framework. He Whare Ako, He Whare Hangarau (a house of learning, a house of technologies) framework underpins concepts of Ako (teaching + learning) and Kaupapa Māori (Māori philosophical values), interwoven with mobile learning theories and approaches.

The framework is conceptualised into a metaphorical visual of a wharenui (Māori traditional meeting house), and is a values-based approach to understanding the role of mobile devices and learning in the context of Aotearoa – New Zealand. It engages with a range of culturally responsive pedagogies open to the possibilities of digital technologies. It was developed as part of the Ako Aotearoa National Project Fund Project “Learners and Mobile Devices.”

I was the lead designer as well as illustrator on this project. I worked closely with the educational and kaupapa Māori researchers to develop a visually striking and relevant concept for the app.

Download here and here