162 / 208
[
] 162
they not been able to leverage the existing Navajo nation
Chapter/OnSat network. NNDOHS is now ready to close the
educational divide that has existed due to the low economic status
and rural isolation of its population.
Head Start is seeking grants that will use the existing satellite
and wireless infrastructure to prioritize several challenges:
• Most NNDOHS teachers are not fully accredited. Many are
studying for degrees but are challenged by distance and
financial problems, among others. More pre-service teachers
need to become fully qualified
• All Head Start programme centres have computers and high-
speed satellite Internet connections, but many teachers have
had little or no training in using or teaching with technology
• Much student assessment is done via routinely filled out
paperwork. Many teachers do not know how to use available
software or interpret results
• Because of the remote locations, teachers need to be able to
communicate through technology to form a supportive and
collaborative community of learners
• With many programme houses situated miles from possible
centres of learning, colleges, and each other, alternative
professional development options are needed
• Turnover of teachers on the programme is high. A technology-
based professional mentoring and support system would help
retain those working in remote locations.
Significance of the NNDOHS project
Excellent, credit-bearing, teacher-preparation Internet courses
could become one of the most significant applications of network-
ing and support systems in the Navajo nation. E-courses can be
created and delivered to remote centres at any time. The tech-
nology capacity will offer new content and educational
programmes to all pre-service teachers.
The success of the OnSat technology has potential impact far
beyond the Head Start community. Schools will be able to expand
course options for students and professional development oppor-
tunities for teachers.
The local government and other factions of the Navajo nation
are pushing for Navajo language and customs to be taught in
schools. By building courses and programmes that take into
account the ‘Navajo factor,’ the Navajo nation promises to lead
the way in supporting education while validating the importance
of cultural heritage. The Navajo Head Start Organization plans
to produce a daily, live video broadcast programme to be distrib-
uted worldwide over the Internet. The programme will be a Native
American-style Sesame Street that will teach language, traditions
and values alongside the standard curriculum.
The Navajo Nation Web Warrior Programme
The Navajo creation story tells of the Navajo people being destroyed
by monsters, and how two warriors used tools and weapons to
defeat them. Today, a new set of monsters is hurting the people,
among them poverty, lack of education, lack of hope, lack of jobs,
drink, drug, and other health problems. Defeating these monsters
calls for new tools and weapons, and for new warriors.
The Office of the President and Vice President is working with
the Division of Community Development, the Division of Dine’
Education, the Division of Public Safety and the Boys’ and Girls’
Club to create a joint programme that will help Navajo youth to
become the new ‘Web Warriors’ by leveraging computers and
Internet connectivity to help others learn these skills. They will
help others to sell arts and crafts to the rest of the world, using
The Navajo nation