EAST in a Nutshell

EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology) focuses on student-driven projects where community (local, state, national, global) problems are being solved through the use of the latest technology. EASTis student-centered and self-directed where students tackle real-world problems by working with community members to find solutions to identified problems. Student interest is the motivator, not preconceived student ability.

EAST Philosophy is based on the following educational principles:

  • All students have value and deserve the opportunity to demonstrate their value to their school and community.
  • Education must be relevant, challenging, purposeful, and student centered.
  • Educators should serve as resource guides and learner facilitators.
  • Learning should be self-directed and oriented towards real-world projects.
  • High expectations must be maintained and must drive all student efforts.

EAST is best described as a performance based learning environment that utilizes problem-based learning and advanced technological applications.

EASTexists in atransdisciplinary classroom environment where the intellectual and problem solving growth of students is the focus, not the technology rich environment.

EAST is designed to serve a diverse population of students from those identified as special education to the advanced and gifted students. Students excited and energized by learning (and doing) can transcend an instructor’s highest expectations.

Students share in a rich and rewarding educational experience that, at various times, makes them the “expert” in their specialty or a driving force behind the completion of a project. This common experience is provided to all students based upon their interest and effort, not their pre-test scores or accumulated past achievement.

The Westwood Elementary EAST classroom is a multi-station Microsoft Windows 7 Professional and iMac based classroom that offers students a variety of different types of hardware and software applications. Among the opportunities for growth in EAST is the chance to learn more about:

  • Desktop Publishing: Adobe and Microsoft Office
  • Presentation Applications
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Virtual Reality
  • Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  • Web Page Design
  • Computer Generated Animation
  • Networking and Network System Administration
  • Photography/Videography
  • 3D Modeling
  • Database Management
  • Programming/Coding
  • Design Concepts and Applications
  • Video & Audio Production
  • Photo/Video/Music Editing
  • and many more

General Expectations of EAST Students

  1. Students should accept the challenge of constructing their own learning by practicing self-direction and self-motivation on a daily basis.
  2. Students should view the instructor as a facilitator rather than an information giver.
  3. Students should help nurture and maintain a productive, business-like atmosphere in the EAST classroom. To have a positive attitude when learning new applications while showing respect to self and others at all times.
  4. Students should help facilitate and mentor other students as a member of a project team and as individuals willing to help others learn for the benefit of the program, school, and community.
  5. Students should help troubleshoot equipment and software applications to work out ‘bugs’ or problems that arise while working on projects as well as maintaining and repairing the classroom network.
  6. Students should bring with them a sense of determination and “stick-with-it-ness”. Students should recognize that real world challenges are not easy!!