Future steps will incorporate a total of 28 small Washington tribes within the network. We're doing this to expand secondary education to reservations not currently being served. Initially, we strengthened science training since remote locations stretched the talents of local staff and made it difficult to recruit qualified instructors. This regional system also connects to the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, whose 29 tribally controlled colleges cover a territory as far east as Michigan and as far south as New Mexico. The network broadcasts classes conducted on any of the campuses to the other member schools.
Classes can then be rebroadcast on the reservation to reach the entire community.
Soon each site will connect with the internet to provide a research resource and support e-mail communication with instructors. Multi-media technologies are being used more routinely to enhance the educational process. Access to the internet for research and data gathering, 3D computer modeling, and televised distance learning with off-campus students are just a few of the instructional opportunities that technology provides in the classroom. WWU will utilize this technology to fulfill a grant to provide educational opportunities to former timber workers on the Olympic Peninsula. With the use of distance learning, WWU can provide classes to Olympic Peninsula residents without the inconvenience of travel for students or instructors.