ʻUpena Moananuiākea will establish the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu as a Pacific Hub, weaving ʻike kupuna (ancestral knowledge) into the fabric of the institution by leveraging the integration of innovative tools and technologies with an aim toward a solutions-oriented mindset that ignites and empowers students to be change-makers. Instructors interested in participating may fill up the inquiry form below.

Inquiry Form
Students presenting programming project.

Goal A

Improve student retention, graduation, and career readiness by expanding opportunities for students to apply knowledge and innovative technologies to serve community needs.

Professor lecturing in a classroom.

Goal B

Expand trans-disciplinary capacity and project/service-based learning opportunities that integrate ancestral knowledge and innovation through faculty development opportunities.

Eddie Kamae Songbook project leads being interviewed.

Goal C

Institutionalize ‘Upena Moananuiākea through its objective activities that strengthen faculty professional development resources (for distance education and innovative technology), foster both internal (university) and external partnerships, grow a portfolio of projects, and archive knowledge products for access by students, faculty, and community.

Value Proposition

The project’s value proposition commits to strengthening our institutional capacity to support faculty in remote learning and creating opportunities for students to learn with innovative technologies.

Skills the Future Need

The 4 C’s approach emphasizes active engagement, reciprocity, and dynamic knowledge development. The project aims to transition students from being just consumers of knowledge to becoming knowledge developers. Through different assignments, students tackle relevant problems, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and digital literacy. They develop skills in accessing, evaluating, and utilizing digital information effectively.

Students are encouraged to create projects that enable them to share their findings and make a real impact on their communities. Through these endeavors, the project strives to empower students to become active agents of change in society.

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Communication

Sharing thoughts, ideas & solutions.

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Collaboration

Working together to reach a goal. Putting talent, expertise, and smarts to work.

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Critical Thinking

Looking at problems in a new way and linking learning across subjects & disciplines.

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Creativity

Trying new approaches to get things done equals innovation and invention.