COVID-19 muddles Talanoa and Vā: Perceived connections and uncertainties

Abstract

Learning online from home bubbles through the use of information communication technology (ICT) stretches the engagement and enactment of vā (relational connections) between students and lecturers as well as Pacific people in the community. In this paper, talanoa is used to capture students’ online learning experiences and their perceived understanding of connections. Such experiences are embodied in people’s interactions, conversations, problem-solving, knowledge sharing and exchange of ideas and practice. As the vā space online between lecturer and student as well as people in the community is physically mama’o (distanced), the perceived space of learning connection raises concern over ethics and practice. Engaging in open talanoa of the uncertainties linked to online interactions within the post-COVID context and the place of vā ethics can lead to talanoa mālie that highlight possibilities and solutions.