CLAREMORE — Through the Environmental and Spatial Technology program, (EAST) students use state of the art computer hardware and software to engage in a project-based approach to problem solving.
Since 2010 the program has brought ideas developed by students of NTC to the public. From different fundraising events to organizations, the students work independently and in teams to solve real world problems in their community and beyond.
“EAST is very unique in that the students are the teachers,” said NTC Representative Stephani Freeman. “They use the latest in technology and take it upon themselves to learn as much as they can about certain issues and the outcomes.”
Assistant Campus Director Rick Reimer has been with NTC for over 25 years and helped bring the new campus to Claremore four years ago.
In 2006 the superintendent for the pryor campus asked Reimer to find some new and upcoming programs that could eventually be used for the school.
Reimer researched and found the EAST program, which was being used at the time in Arkansas and helped bring it to Oklahoma.
“It was very exciting because the program was the first of its kind in the state of Oklahoma,” said Reimer. “Since then it’s been a marquee in which we help the community and the community helps us.”
EAST provides students with technical and pedagogical training, along with educational research in 3-D modeling, engineering design, surveying and mapping, programming, web page design, digital photography, video editing and more.
During EAST Night Out, students ran booths presenting relative community projects, including an effort to revive Claremore’s music venue the Tree, as well as a promotion for a Claremore High School Art Festival.
One booth displayed a one of a kind engine-powered four-foot wide airplane, built entirely from the ground up.
The plane which can reach speeds up to 100 mph, will be operated during Oklahoma State University’s Speedfest in April.
The new Claremore Museum of History also had an area for patrons to learn about some of the town’s history.
“This program has really helped the history museum get going,” said Freeman.
Recently, students received the 2012 EAST Founder’s Award of Excellence for sophistication and innovation in the partnership with the museum.
The EAST class has been working with the historical society for over a year, helping acquire the building, create exhibits and produce marketing tools.
A major contribution has been the idea to add a technological focus to the project.
Students collaborated with an internet start-up company called Yapanda.
The Tulsa-based company allowed the class to learn the technology and create avatars for a tablet computer software that will help guide visitors through the museum.
“EAST has been an important marquee. We help the community and the community helps us,” said Reimer.
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