Rural technology: Is there a need?

The author considers the creation of a program of study that provides technology appropriate to the needs of the reservations, a technology that addresses the needs of a rural lifestyle, in which many are without electricity, telephone, and running water in an area in which many roads are not paved. Math and science teachers at Native American high schools and community colleges, the director of the Northern Arizona University Native American Engineering program, and engineers and managers of companies closely associated with the Native American community were surveyed to obtain their viewpoints about appropriate technical education. It is found that the results of this pilot survey are not sufficient at this point for the definition of a new academic program in rural technology. However, there does seem to be a need to take a new look at the traditional engineering and technology degrees and consider some imaginative changes to better fit the environment, the culture, and the future vision of the Native American peoples