This presentation reports on a professional development (PD) initiative designed to empower educators in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), specifically Chuuk and Yap, to teach computer science (CS) through culturally relevant computing (CRC). Conducted in collaboration with local educational partners, the project sought to address the dual challenges of limited technological infrastructure and the need for culturally sustaining pedagogy in island contexts. Drawing upon FSM data collected from teacher PD workshops, the study documents how researchers adapted unplugged CS activities to reflect indigenous knowledge and Pacific Island cultural values. A cross-cultural comparison between Hawai'i and Micronesia highlights the importance of culturally-relevant pedagogies in computing education. While both contexts emphasize collective and place-based learning, differences in Internet connectivity and access to computing resources impacted the approaches to implementing CRC. The findings illustrate how culturally grounded, unplugged approaches can bridge the digital divide while affirming local indigenous cultures. This study highlights the role of sustainable, culturally relevant strategies to empower teachers in under-resourced island settings. It underscores the transformative potential of CRC as both a pedagogical framework and a tool for fostering digital inclusion across diverse educational ecosystems.

Authors:
Peter Leong, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, United States
Daniel Hoffman, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, United States
Rochelle Pi’ilani Ka’aloa, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, United States
Seungoh Paek, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Rochelle Piʻilani Kaaloa, Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Division and Faculty at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa. Research experience in storytelling, Indigenous education, online learning, instructional design to enhance teaching and learning.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peleong/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

Bookmark