The use of audio technology to support second language learners of te reo Māori

Due to processes of colonisation, te reo Māori is currently identified as being in a state of endangerment (Reedy et al., 2011), which heightens the need for positive Māori language education outcomes. At a national level, reo Māori educators have begun incorporating technology into language classrooms to increase student engagement with the language (Heavey, 2014; McKenzie, 2014). This research evaluates a pilot study of Māori language auditory resources involving introductory to intermediate level learners of te reo Māori from Victoria University of Wellington. This study reports on the findings from a focus group of seven students enrolled in the two courses in which the podcasts were used. Findings revealed that the podcasts were positive in assisting the students’ ability to audibly recognise Māori language speech. Students also highlighted a number of areas where the tasks could be improved for future students.