April 22, 2003

Greetings:

The EAST initiative is always reviewing new products and programs on the leading edge of technology which have the potential to take the learning experiences of EAST students to a higher level. Such is the case with an innovative, engaging and exciting virtual reality system developed by Digital Tech Frontier (DTF) which has now been especially configured for and is being made available to interested EAST labs. DTF's Educational reality System (ERS) makes virtual reality (creation and exploration) available in the classroom, offering endless possibilities for the future of education.

DTF's participation in the Inaugural EAST Western Regional Conference was one of the highlights of the conference. EAST students from across the western United States were eager to experience the virtual reality environment that DTF has created and were even more eager to discuss potential projects and ways to incorporate this technology into their existing projects.

At this time, this DTF technology and equipment is not included in the standard lab configuration; however, the EAST Initiative feels the DTF's virtual reality system provides the opportunity to expand EAST students' potential for engaging and sophisticated service projects and would suggest that any EAST lab that wants to enhance its offerings consider this system an option. To that end, EAST has asked DTF to provide additional information directly to the EAST labs for consideration.

Best Regards,

Tim Stephenson
National Project Director
EAST Initiative

May 11, 2004

Mr. Roy Hester
Superintendent
Westside School District
122 Thompson Street
Hartman, AR 72840

Mr. Hester:

The EAST Initiative is pleased to partner with the Westside School District in its application for an Enhancing Education Through Technology grant administered by the Arkansas Department of Education. This partnership will further develop the capacity of children to gain skills in emerging technology in the context of local service projects. In the context of this partnership EAST, will provide consultation and coordination in the placement of Virtual Reality Development Labs in identified EAST schools (based on EETT criteria and perceived readiness to enhance their existing EAST classrooms) and to host training for basic and advanced VRDL training using industry leading Virtual Reality development trainers. Our experience with the Virtual Reality application thus far has led us to include this emerging technology in our new schools starting this year. The results of similar efforts in the past have proven to be no less than extraordinary and we are eager to again partner in an effort to positively impact more students—particularly in areas where the procurement of this technology might not be possible without grant assistance.

EAST was founded on providing students with industry standard and emerging technology as an engagement strategy to help them better develop their skills as learners. The success of EAST students and EAST schools has led to the EAST model being nationally recognized as a successful model of integrating service projects, technology, and curricular knowledge for students. We feel strongly that this VRDL project will further our mutual mission.

Sincerely,

Matt Dozier
National Program Director
EAST Initiative

The EAST Initiative has since incorporated the Virtual Reality Development Lab into their standard configuration for new Lab installations.

We at Digital Tech Frontier are truly excited to be an integral part of the standards set forth by the EAST Initiative and to offer this type of cutting edge technology to eager students accross the country.

Current EAST programs qualify for reduced VRDL pricing.

Please contact us for EAST pricing and training schedules.