The Navajo Education Technology Consortium (NETC) has been designing and
delivering specific programs to meet the unique learning challenges of the
Navajo Nation. Our programs bring together teachers, principals, and parents to
create innovative instructional strategies that are both standards-based and
culturally relevant. The NETC projects are funded by the Star Schools Project,
sponsered by the US Department of Education.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENT PLAN (ETIP)
ETIP's goal was to improve student learning, promote computer literacy among educators and to facilitate the integration of information age technology into the classroom. It offered technology training for teachers, administrators and parents and provided on-line distribution of lesson modules on the Internet through its website NETtrain. Through a five year scaffolding program, educators build competencies in the use of computer applications, techniques of multimedia, and theoretical approaches to using computers in the classroom.
TECHShare
A searchable database of technology-based, culturally relevant, lessons and
instructional materials that incorporate the Navajo Philosophy of Learning and
articulate with standards.
Research indicates that Native American students are more responsive and
engaged learners when the curriculum is culturally relevant and incorporates
opportunities for interaction. The costs of producing culturally relevant
materials for the relatively small native student market are too prohibitive
for most publishers. NETC projects have created a repository containing
hundreds of culturally-relevant lessons available to teachers and students
through the interactive website, known as NETtrain.
e-RATE
The NETC began its initial efforts to obtain E-Rate funding in 2001. The main goals of the project involved connecting member districts and individual schools with high-speed fiber optics and wireless connectivity to provide increased learning and professional development capability, provided advanced placement and special demand curricula, integrate school and community activities, and facilitate communication. The first award of E-Rate funds to the Consortium was made in 2004 for $2,126,871.36. Funds totaling $676,000 have been made available to NETC schools for Internal Connections maintenance. Recently, as of April 21, 2005, the Consortium has been notified of an additional award of $18,435,538.42 for internal connections (cabling, wireless, equipment, network electronics and video equipment). The NETC will continue to aggressively manage the application of these resources and will pursue additional funding to maintain and increase services provided to the Consortium and the Navajo Nation.
