EAST Conference

Tucker Travis and Jenna Fuhrmann presented their Natural Audubon project: The Delta Documentary Team and won first place. They each received a piece of jewelry created by a naturalist artist, nature books for the lab and a set of binoculars for the lab. Rick Manis won first place in the "Let Your Imagination Go Wild" Google Sketchup Competition. He received $100 for his creation of his dream house. EAST, which stands for Environmental and Spatial Technology, is based on the belief that students can go well beyond what has ever been expected when given the proper learning atmosphere, appropriate tools and resources, access to real-world problems and support.

EAST programs are comprised of a diversity of all students – not just a select few. EAST is best described as a performance based learning environment that utilizes problem-based service learning and advanced technological applications. This means that EAST is a vibrant class that stresses real world application to the traditional school learning. The class is structured around students taking on specific projects that can help their schools and communities. They use the capabilities of a sophisticated computer laboratory as a resource to accomplish these goals.

Special to the Conference this year: · Governor Mike Beebe was the featured speaker at the Partnership Banquet Wednesday night. · Amanda Manatt – EAST Alumni now reporter with KATV was the guest speaker at the opening Ceremonies Tuesday. · 50+ hands-on and presentation sessions were presented with topics including Animation, GIS, CAD, Design, Robotics, Careers, Podcasting, Projects, Documentaries, Copyright and more. “The students work in teams and develop sophisticated service-oriented projects that address real challenges,” says Matt Dozier, President/CEO of EAST. “In the process of solving these problems, they learn to become creative, intuitive, adaptable learners who can solve unpredictable, real-world problems. When they leave school they are already familiar with some of the most advanced tools available as they look to further education and their career aspirations.” Dozier adds, “EAST helps them to become the entrepreneurial learners and leaders that Arkansas and the nation need.”

DeWitt EAST Lab also received an Excellance Rating for their booth and efforts in their lab. Jenna and Tucker helped Mary Smith, Educational Director of Audubon, present their project and how to incorporate natural learning activities inthe EAST environment. Carole Anderson and Hollye Jackson also presented how getting the kids out of the classroom and having hands on experiences changes the way students look at learning. Others that attended the conference were Alex Humphries and Cami Pulliam.

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