The Digital Village program will benefit at least 20,000 people, he said. HP established the program to help bridge the digital divide by bringing HP products, services, and consulting to underserved areas. Doretta Musick, library director at the Pala Indian Reservation, has seen how a high-speed network enhances education and helps the community. Now the library has seven additional computers, all with the high-speed connection. The library also offers classes in basic computing skills, Web research and Web design classes for adults.
Tribal leaders plan to do more than extend the network.
They're going to own the backbone they're putting in. Most of the legwork will be done by them. Ward also views the Net as a medium that will help preserve Indian culture. Technology can help maintain the language, music, stories, and traditions through audio, video, and Web pages, he said. One educational technology leader commended the program for targeting both adults and children.