The Navajo Community College has received funding to establish the Navajo Learning Network from the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Commerce, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The Network includes initial Mac and PC workstations at Tsaile, AZ; Shiprock, NM; Tuba City, AZ; Crownpoint, NM; Chinle, AZ; and St. Michaels, AZ. The Navajo Learning Network plans to support K-12 use of the Internet and will eventually connect to the Chapter Houses which are the political and cultural centers of the Navajo tribe. The Navajo Learning Network will provide assistance to individuals and institutions, emphasizing the areas of Navajo language, history and culture, and teacher education.

The developmental research will describe and document the design, development, and evaluation of this technology adoption process project utilizing a range of traditional research methodologies in addition to standard design and development procedures. Researchers will play an active role in both project implementation and documentation. They will facilitate coordination/collaboration among stakeholders with different agendas, and work with school staff and interested members of the community. In addition, the researchers will observe and record progress towards the restructuring of the current system as the schools adopt technology and new curriculum.

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