Some made changes to the file manager that would impress an experienced hacker, says Hedin.

CNN: On-line in Yunnan

It's a process of "engaged learning, " says trainer John Hedin, whose company, Teachers Telecomputing Technology (3TC), is behind the classes.

CNN: On-line in Yunnan

Hedin had bigger ideas: he would teach the Chinese how to use the Net for business as well as education.

CNN: On-line in Yunnan

Officials realized that the Net would prove "invaluable" for lifting the economy and education of a landlocked province like Yunnan, Hedin says.

CNN: On-line in Yunnan

Li was impressed enough by a talk Hedin gave in 1994 to invite him to show his teachers their way around the Web.

CNN: On-line in Yunnan

"I'm not in this for the money, " Hedin insists.

CNN: On-line in Yunnan