Kamehameha Schools offers Distance Learning opportunities for Hawai’i students

March 10, 2006

Contributed by Liz Ahana

The 'Ike Hawai'i Distance Learning Program offers a series of online courses integrated with field trip experiences that focus on Hawaiian culture. Developed by curriculum specialists at Kamehameha Schools, the goals of the 'Ike Hawai'i Distance Learning Program is to:

• Provide culturally based curriculum and opportunities for students to succeed in a distance learning environment;

• Encourage self-discovery through Hawaiian cultural experiences;

• Increase students' technology skills; and

• Prepare students for higher education.

There are currently five courses available ranging from Hawaiian Culture and English with a focus on Hawaiian Pacific Literature, to a four-part Kumu Lecture Series that incorporates multiple subjects with a Hawaiian focus. The first Kumu Lecture Series course provides students with the opportunity to interact and learn about the Hawaiian value malama (to care for, take care of) from a variety of perspectives.

For detailed course descriptions, please visit 'Ike Hawai'i. Students who complete these courses may qualify for a semester course credit with their school. For students who complete a total of eight courses (four Kumu Lecture Series courses and four by choice) will be awarded an 'Ike Hawai'i Distance Learning Certificate.

Students interested in participating in the 'Ike Hawai'i Distance Learning Program must meet the following requirements:

• Hawai'i state resident

• Incoming 9 – 11 grade student

• Access to reliable and daily Internet service

• Complete Kamehameha Schools' Distance Learning Orientation (online)

• Attend a face-to-face Student Technical Training Session

Preference will be given to students of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.

For more information about the 'Ike Hawai'i Distance Learning Program, visit 'Ike Hawai'i or call Josie Torricer at 842-8877. To request an application, please call the Admissions Office at 842-8800. The deadline to apply for the fall term is May 15, 2006 with classes beginning on July 27, 2006 and ending on December 15, 2006.

Kamehameha Schools is a private charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop and is the sole beneficiary of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system and currently more than 5,400 students of Hawaiian ancestry are enrolled in K-12 campuses on three islands and at more than 30 preschool sites statewide. Thousands of additional Hawaiian learners are served through a range of other Kamehameha Schools' outreach programs, distance learning programming, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai'i and across the continental United States.