title: Traditional New Zealand Māori instruments, composition and digital technology: some recent collaborations and processes

authors: Whalley, Ian

abstract: This paper examines the integration of traditional New Zealand Māori instruments with digital music technology, and the use of these instruments in making new works. The focus is on the work of performer/composers Hirini Melbourne and Richard Nunns, as well as recent collaborations that Richard Nunns has undertaken with some composers and musicians in genres other than Māori music. Aesthetic, practical and cultural considerations in the composition process are explored.

text: Traditional New Zealand Māori instruments, composition and digital technology: some recent collaborations and processes This paper examines the integration of traditional New Zealand Māori instruments with digital music technology, and the use of these instruments in making new works. The focus is on the work of performer/composers Hirini Melbourne and Richard Nunns, as well as recent collaborations that Richard Nunns has undertaken with some composers and musicians in genres other than Māori music. Aesthetic, practical and cultural considerations in the composition process are explored.

year: 2005

title: Computational thinking for young indigenous learners in New Zealand

authors: Fox-Turnbull, Wendy

subjects: authentic technological practice

abstract: This article presents the findings from a study aimed to investigate how the computational thinking aspect of digital technologies can be embedded authentically into students’ technological practice. The project explored teaching and learning computational thinking in context and particularly focus on technological needs and practice for young Māori learners.
There is recognition internationally about the need for digital technologies within the curriculum. Computational thinking is a critical component of this and is defined as an approach to problem-solving, designing computer systems, and understanding related human behaviours, while drawing on fundamental ideas of computing. Therefore, it is critical that all students acquire computational thinking skills. Technology practice is most successful when embedded within authentic contexts, thus this paper presents a study that facilitated the learning of two concepts of computational thinking: sequencing and orientation within culturally embedded technology practice. The study’s vision is to assist mainstream Māori learners from low socio-economic backgrounds to develop an understanding of related concepts of computational thinking. The research design drew on Māori values and practice that situates learning within authentic Māori contexts. Kaupapa Māori pedagogies were used in our design-based intervention programme to achieve the research goal. The focus of the project was to improve digital technologies learning outcomes to ensure Māori tamariki (children) see themselves as comfortably situated in a digital world.

text: Computational thinking for young indigenous learners in New Zealand This article presents the findings from a study aimed to investigate how the computational thinking aspect of digital technologies can be embedded authentically into students’ technological practice. The project explored teaching and learning computational thinking in context and particularly focus on technological needs and practice for young Māori learners.
There is recognition internationally about the need for digital technologies within the curriculum. Computational thinking is a critical component of this and is defined as an approach to problem-solving, designing computer systems, and understanding related human behaviours, while drawing on fundamental ideas of computing. Therefore, it is critical that all students acquire computational thinking skills. Technology practice is most successful when embedded within authentic contexts, thus this paper presents a study that facilitated the learning of two concepts of computational thinking: sequencing and orientation within culturally embedded technology practice. The study’s vision is to assist mainstream Māori learners from low socio-economic backgrounds to develop an understanding of related concepts of computational thinking. The research design drew on Māori values and practice that situates learning within authentic Māori contexts. Kaupapa Māori pedagogies were used in our design-based intervention programme to achieve the research goal. The focus of the project was to improve digital technologies learning outcomes to ensure Māori tamariki (children) see themselves as comfortably situated in a digital world.

year: 2024

title: Three-dimensional numerical simulation of mixing patterns at open channel confluences

authors: Aghazadegan, Ali

abstract: Open channel confluences, where two streams or rivers converge, play a crucial role in hydraulic engineering and river dynamics. These confluences are characterized by complex hydrodynamics influenced by the discharge ratios of merging water bodies. This study investigated the mixing structure at open channel confluences using three-dimensional numerical modeling. A comprehensive three-dimensional numerical model was developed and validated against a dataset obtained from controlled laboratory experiments. This dataset incorporated three-dimensional time-averaged velocity measurements. The skew-induced and stress-induced equation systems were adopted as the core governing equations, providing a framework for simulating various scenarios. A total of ten different cases were analyzed. The results highlighted the effect of discharge ratios on turbulence, lateral and vertical vorticities, and the distribution of mixing, which intensified with higher magnitudes of discharge ratios. The mixing structure, driven by velocity gradients and vorticity, revealed the significant role of lateral and vertical vorticities in determining hydrodynamic behaviors and mixing distributions at confluences. Specifically, the momentum ratio of incoming flows governed the spatial evolution of mixing processes. This study revealed that the distribution of mixing served as a key indicator for identifying the formation of mid-channel scours. High normalized velocities induced toward the left bank led to the superelevation of the water surface, enhancing the potential for bed material and the formation of significant scour holes beneath the elevated water surface. This novel approach provides a deeper understanding of the mixing patterns at confluences, particularly in scenarios with equilibrated discharge ratios but in different magnitudes.

text: Three-dimensional numerical simulation of mixing patterns at open channel confluences Open channel confluences, where two streams or rivers converge, play a crucial role in hydraulic engineering and river dynamics. These confluences are characterized by complex hydrodynamics influenced by the discharge ratios of merging water bodies. This study investigated the mixing structure at open channel confluences using three-dimensional numerical modeling. A comprehensive three-dimensional numerical model was developed and validated against a dataset obtained from controlled laboratory experiments. This dataset incorporated three-dimensional time-averaged velocity measurements. The skew-induced and stress-induced equation systems were adopted as the core governing equations, providing a framework for simulating various scenarios. A total of ten different cases were analyzed. The results highlighted the effect of discharge ratios on turbulence, lateral and vertical vorticities, and the distribution of mixing, which intensified with higher magnitudes of discharge ratios. The mixing structure, driven by velocity gradients and vorticity, revealed the significant role of lateral and vertical vorticities in determining hydrodynamic behaviors and mixing distributions at confluences. Specifically, the momentum ratio of incoming flows governed the spatial evolution of mixing processes. This study revealed that the distribution of mixing served as a key indicator for identifying the formation of mid-channel scours. High normalized velocities induced toward the left bank led to the superelevation of the water surface, enhancing the potential for bed material and the formation of significant scour holes beneath the elevated water surface. This novel approach provides a deeper understanding of the mixing patterns at confluences, particularly in scenarios with equilibrated discharge ratios but in different magnitudes.

year: 2025