Open AccessShape-shifting connections, relationships and Pacific education in the uncharted waters of a global pandemic
Author(s) -
Cherie Chu-Fuluifaga
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
new zealand annual review of education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1178-3311
pISSN - 1171-3283
DOI - 10.26686/nzaroe.v26.6932
Subject(s) - face (sociological concept) , pandemic , covid-19 , process (computing) , key (lock) , sociology , psychology , public relations , political science , computer science , social science , computer security , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , operating system , medicine
The importance of maintaining connections and relationships across tertiary education for students is discussed as a way of examining the nature of Pacific education in challenging times, particularly in terms of fractured face-to-face learning. Universities have been thrust into an unpredictable time of remote/distance/online learning in a short period of time. The process has been unsettling and challenging for people across the world. As Pacific students and staff experience the unchartered waters of Covid-19 and global disturbances, they are searching out ways to build purposeful connections, shape-shifting and ways to maintain communities of academic togetherness while harnessing the tools of their knowledge trajectories in research. This article will focus on four key principles: valuing personal and academic connections beyond the textbook; discovering heart-warming methods of connection; and connecting for growth and wellbeing.