Anishinaabemowin and Technology: A Qualitative Study of the Role of Learning Technologies in a Community Anishinaabemowin Class

• Main Author: Baker, Sjana Kay
• Other Authors: McCarty, Teresa
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: eScholarship, University of California 2022
• Subjects: Native American studies; Anishinaabemowin; Technology; anishina*
• Online Access: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5k08x0pk

This project examines the role of learning technologies in Anishinaabemowin (Anishinaabe language) community classes. With the societal push towards using more technology coupled with the shift to remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Indigenous language communities have had to decide how to incorporate technology into their classes in a way that honors the language and the learners. Through interviews with Anishinaabemowin language teachers and facilitators, this study examines the benefits and difficulties of using learning technologies. Six themes were identified through qualitative interviews: Accessibility, Pros and Cons of Language Learning Technologies, Community and Connection to Culture, Remote Learning versus In-person Learning, Technological Difficulties, and Opportunity. Each theme answers the questions of benefits and difficulties as well as helping to understand the role of technology in these classes. Highlighting these themes can support this Anishinaabe community and other Indigenous language communities in using technology in positive ways for their self-determined linguistic goals.