ABSTRACT
This chapter explores a "bottom-up"or "grassroots" approach to technology implementation and teachers demand for Internet access and training. It addresses important and problematic issues that can emerge when one takes a grassroots approach to technology implementation. Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh (CK:P) is an ongoing collaboration between the Pittsburgh Public Schools, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, which provides supercomputing and technical resources to scientists and researchers throughout the country. Teachers who want access to the Internet also seek training and appear eager to explore Internet resources. Schools had outdated equipment and reported difficulty getting approval for even minor technical upgrades, such as a new telephone line. In most cases, the desire for equipment appeared to be coupled with a sincere interest in networking. Educator's perceptions of benefits beyond classroom subject matter provided some of the motivation for their pursuit of network access.
