MODULE FOUR "Cultures & Technology"

Reference List:- " Click here for the reference list."

We must first define culture as a generic term we use when referring to people in terms to where they come from. For example I speak English therefore my culture is "English" however this is a shared language so does every one who speaks English have an English culture. The answer is simple no, I come from England and my culture is English and I share some of the traditions but have a subculture which is generational and geographical. I also share a universal culture that is shared by all of humanity collectively knowing right from wrong for example. An interesting article which helps explain culture titled "What Is Culture?" makes an interesting read. This article defines culture in a context that can be understood for a wider audience but keeping true to the title.

Cultural Paradigms
Image from: Cultureofpeacealliance.org

In order to evaluate the impact of technology on Maori society we need to look at Maori structure to understand the position they represent in New Zealand society. This is represented by their demographic position in society showing their differences in relation to the rest of New Zealand and their economic status resulting from "mild discrimination". However Maori have continued to flourish with an uptake of industrial and urban employment. Politically Maori are represented by 16 MP's who are from Maori decent in 2004 and teaching and learning institutions using the Maori language. With more than 64% of Maori living in urban areas in 2001 this is a testament to the determination for success. The following article helps illustrate "Maori Social Structure" in a ever changing society and helps define Maori status in society.

Maori success
Image from: Tvnz.co.nz 

New Zealand society has continued to develop with Maori as the integral part of the development of a bi cultural society, therefore including technology in teaching and learning.and creating diversified educational organisations. The TEU has many Maori success story's which it shares on their web site, these are also to help teachers develop strategies to help develop teachers capabilities "Maori Success Story's".

Te Reo Maori and Communication Technology's by "The University of Auckland"

Early Maori used the technology that had been handed down from their elders and was based on horticulture, using stones for walls and hot embers to dry soils they were very successful in establishing several plants including the kumara. They migrated from their early maritime existence and branched out into the forests. The technology was tools made from natural resources such as green stone and flax which could be traded for other goods. The Maori saw themselves as having "A sacred relationship with the natural world" not too far away from our modern philosophy of sustainability. The "Te Ara" web site is a useful resource helping to fill in the missing pieces about Maori culture history and technology. The Maori have continued to embrace the modern world and rise to the challenge with what technology has to offer their people.

International Day of the world's indigenous peoples. By "The United Nations" 

Indigenous people around the world have had similar experiences when facing a rapidly changing society one such race is the aboriginals of Australia who have shared many of the experiences of Maori. They also have suffered the effects of "mild discrimination" and used similar technology's to Maori being in harmony with the land. They have also stepped up to the many challenges which face their people to survive in terms of heritage, culture and technology.

Australian Aboriginal Brief History 

Technology Of The Day
Image from: Ehow.com

Aboriginal culture has many similarities which share that of  the Maori belief systems, the trends can be identified with at the following site "Aboriginal Culture ". This is not uncommon with many indigenous people of the world. However with Government intervention the gap can change although we still have a long way to go in terms of full collaboration. Education plays a vital part in bridging this gap allowing mutual understanding  to be a common theme and practiced accordingly. As we all move forward in an ever changing societal context we are all faced with changing technology's which seem's bewildering, this however is the world we live in today and will not stop to take a breath.