North is an urban school in a large school district. There are 1,600 students and 56% of them are from disadvantaged homes. The school is culturally diverse with 3% Indian, 6% Asian, 19% African American, 31% Hispanic, and 42% white students.

Two years ago I was hired to bring technology to the students who use the school's library media center. Many of the students at North do not have access to computers at home so they are at a disadvantage when they leave North and try to compete with more advantaged students at the universities and in careers.

Two years ago I started planning with district personnel for a 60 computer networked technology lab. I had a 5 year plan to accomplish this goal. During the first year the infrastructure for the network was put in place. This took a lot of patience and money to accomplish. We installed a server with NT software, 15 client computers, a 14 port CD server, and a cable modem for Internet connectivity. During the 1st year the students and staff at North were inservice often to help them learn how to use technology to do research and create finished projects. We always make training sessions hands-on experiences as that is the only way to really learn how to use technology.

At the beginning of this school year, we added an LCD projector and a 32" Destination Gateway computer to the library equipment so training could be seen on large screens. Because of the technology already in place in the library, we received a $15,000 grant from the state to create a class called Generation www. Y. The class was established in Washington state and other states were given the opportunity to try the class and use their curriculum. With the money we purchased 8 more computers, a scanner and a digital camera. The library now has 23 computers for research needs. I teach 2 Generation www. Y classes in the library. The students learn a variety of computer skills i.e. setting up computers, Windows 95, e-mail, the Internet, Power Point, Front Page, collaboration, digital images, etc. The students partners up with a teacher and worked with that teacher to create a technology infused lesson. All of the students showed a tremendous amount of growth in their technology skills and presentation abilities. The teachers enjoyed having students spend time teaching them technology and the teacher's classes enjoyed the technology driven lessons. Next year the students from this class will become technology proctors for different curriculum departments. They will work with all the teachers in that department to infuse technology into their classes. I will teach a new group of students next year who will replace the 1st group when they graduate.

Next school year we will start the year with 12 more computers. That will bring us up to 35 computers. We aren't up to 60 yet, but this is only the end of year 2 in the 5 year plan. All other technology for the plan is in place at this time. The teachers have been inserviced as a whole staff, in curriculum departments, in small groups, and individually. Students are always inserviced on the best sources to meet their specific needs when they use the library as a class. They are also helped individually to find information to meet their learning objectives. Training will never be completed. There will always be newer and better sources to introduce the students and staff to. It is a challenge, but it also makes every day exciting.