Kamehameha Schools Brings Hawaiian Culture Online

• By Kanoe Namahoe
• 11/10/09

Kamehameha Schools Distance Learning (KSDL) is making Hawaiian language and culture resources available publicly through Nov. 13 as part of its National Distance Learning Week observation.

KSDL's 'Ike Hawai'i Distance Learning Program is an online initiative offering high school students in Hawaii semester credit for participating in courses in Hawaiian history, culture and literature. It began as a pilot program in 1997 using a combination of public access television and computer-based instruction. Its courses are offered through a variety of schools, including Hawaii Virtual Learning Network (HVLN); Moloka'i High School; Baldwin High School; Kawaikini New Century Public Charter School; Hakipu'u Learning Center; Hālau Kū Māna Charter School; Elite Element Academy; Hālau Lōkahi; and Kua o Ka Lā New Century Public Charter School.

During National Distance Learning Week, KSDL is offering stories and cultural enrichment courses for parents and caregivers through A'o Makua, KSDL's adult online learning service.

"This week, we join other educational institutions across the country to create greater awareness of what distance learning has to offer," said Dorothy Hirata, director of Kamehameha Schools Distance Learning. "Thanks to the possibilities of distance learning, time and geographic space are no longer meaningful barriers to learning. We bring haumana of all ages together, building a vibrant virtual community of learners."

Kamehameha Schools serves more than 6,700 K-12 students in physical campuses located on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii, including 30 preschool sites. Further information can be found here.