Share this
Mister Wong
Digg
Del.icio.us
Slashdot
Furl
Yahoo
Technorati
Newsvine
Googlize this
Blinklist
Facebook
Wikio
Print
E-mail
Tags
Environmental and Spatial Technology is a relatively new way of educating and learning. It involves cutting edge technology, teamwork and initiative and community minded projects. Students are able to develop their own personal interests while learning to work in teams. Environmental and Spatial Technology, or EAST, has been recognized in California and New York as an exemplary model and more recently has been supported by federal technology funds and, most recently, No Child Left Behind.
The idea behind Environmental and Spatial Technology is to create a new era of learning and teaching that is designed to address all aspects of successful, well rounded individuals and teach students in the manner that helps them to grow to be well rounded, successful individuals. By giving students the resource of up to the minute technology, such as animation software, computer and animation design, programming, digital filmmaking, virtual technology and much more, in addition to an extensive support network that stretches across the country and includes mentors from businesses and faculty, the program helps to develop students who learn to be adaptable, quick problem solvers.
While Environmental and Spatial Technology isn’t offered in all schools, the schools who do offer the program usually offer it as an elective. The program originated in 2002 and has steadily gained popularity since then. With increased funding, schools all across the country are beginning to consider offering the course.
Environmental and Spatial Technology has met rave reviews all across the country. Students and educators alike feel that this course is not only leading the way toward a generation of better prepared students, but is helping students to learn how to become socially responsible while learning how to utilize all aspects of their education. Students work in teams on various community service projects. They put together all aspects of the project and see it through. As mentioned before, they are given all the technological tools they need, as well as help from different types of mentors from all walks of life. Students work in a totally hands on environment and are encouraged to handle the project themselves, but ask for help.
Depending on the project and the requirements of the project, students find they not only meet, but also exceed certain state requirements in completing only one project. With the rigors of a complicated community project, students find they are using everything from math to history and problem solving. Most schools recognize and give credit for these subjects applied and learned in the community project.
If Environmental and Spatial Technology is offered and a student has an elective class available to them, it is strongly advised that they consider Environmental and Spatial Technology as an election class. Students will find they develop a strong sense of their own interests, while completing projects they never dreamed they would be able to handle.
