EQ EAST®
QUARTERLY
Winter 2019
ISSUE
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GIVING MYSELF A LEG TO STAND ON 2 GAME ON 6 SMALL TOWN GUYS MAKE BIG IMPACT WITH VR
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TINA LEWIS HELP US WELCOME TINA LEWIS, OUR NEW TRAINING SPECIALIST, TO THE EAST FAMILY. Would you like a free TechStart training session in your area? Would you like Tina to come to your classroom to assist you with TechStart? Contact her today at EASTlink.me/takeover. Don’t forget TechStart is offering classroom awards of $150-$1,000 for your students learning how to code.
Sign up today! EASTlink.me/techstart
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Greetings and Salutations Friends of EAST! As the most wonderful time of the year comes to an end – awww – we can still relish the giving spirit that accompanies it. We have plenty of phenomenal students and distinguished friends of EAST to celebrate. While I didn’t get the white Christmas I was dreaming of, I did learn that I could create my own winter wonderland with virtual reality in our Geek Speak section.
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GIVING MYSELF A LEG TO STAND ON 7th grader from Springdale prints his own prosthetic leg
I am definitely taking a trip to South Side Bee Branch High School to learn about enhancing my hand-eye coordination with virtual reality, too.
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“E” IS FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
I didn’t become a fellow of a historical science society like EAST Board member, Dr. Michael Gealt, but I did take a moment to submit my application to be a client of the developing student-led social enterprise at Southside Charter High School in Batesville.
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GAME ON
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EAST BOARD MEMBER RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION
After hanging out at Sonora Middle School for a day, I decided that if they can 3D print prosthetic limbs, I can certainly 3D print my own Christmas ornaments and maybe some fancy earrings, too. Talk about having exclusive accessories!
EAST at Southside Charter High School Batesville has created an enterprise
Insight and tips into virtual reality
EAST board member is nominated for prestigious society
Consider this issue as your personal invitation to learn, create, and share your own experiences in virtual reality, 3D printing, advertising, and support. RSVP by tagging us in your social media post with this latest issue of EQ!
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SMALL TOWN GUYS MAKE A BIG IMPACT WITH VIRTUAL REALITY Virtual reality changes lives during occupational therapy
Apryl Jackson Communications Coordinator
EQ fb.me/EASTinitiative
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MEET EAST
Learn more about our Operations team
MAGAZINE TEAM Editor - Apryl Jackson Designer - Diana Denning 6215 Ranch Dr. Little Rock, AR 72223 501.371.5016 www.EASTinitiative.org communications@EASTstaff.org
@theEASTinitiative
@EASTinitiative
CONTRIBUTORS Brian Dixon
Disclaimer The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited materials lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of the EAST Initiative. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the copyright holder. All copyrights are recognized and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review.
EAST Alumni Network
Read this and previous issues online at news.EASTlink.me/EQ
WINTER 2019 | EAST QUARTERLY
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GIVING MYSELF A LEG TO STAND ON
When building an EAST project, the goal is often to provide impact through service, technology, and creativity to members of the community. Students are taught to “fill the C.A.R.T” — Critical Thinking, Advance, Real, Teamwork. Arkhan Langinbelik has been actively doing this since the third grade, but this time it was for himself. Recently, we sat down with Arkhan, a fourth-year EAST student from Sonora Middle School in Springdale, who, at birth, experienced a complication with his right leg that resulted in amputation. Who knew that this life-changing decision made so long ago would inspire Arkhan’s present-day project: 3D Printing Prosthesis. A prosthesis is an artificial device that replaces a missing body part. This type of device is used to restore the normal function of a missing body part. Arkhan was more than happy to share his journey about printing his very own prosthetic leg.
WHO IS ARKHAN?
I am Arkhan Langinbelik, a seventh grader from Springdale Arkansas. I am the oldest of five kids: three younger sisters (one step-sister, two biological sisters) and one baby brother. I decided to join EAST because I wanted to create something of my own. I was born without the bones of my lower right leg properly attached; the lower bones of the leg were described as dangling, and no surgery would correct it. I heard about 3D printing from Mr. (Josh) Worthy, my elementary EAST Facilitator, and I have been trying to create a prosthetic leg for myself since that conversation.
WHY 3D PRINTING?
I am attracted to 3D printing because it allows you to design anything that you can imagine and 3D print it to make it a reality. I have a prosthetic leg, and as my actual 2
EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org
leg is growing, I have to pay for a new prosthetic leg. I wanted to find an easier way to get a new prosthetic leg without having to pay for one almost every year. When I heard about 3D printing, I knew it was something that could help me figure out how to solve that problem. The prosthetic leg I am working on is also adjustable so that I will not have to 3D print an entirely new leg every year. I am making the design to where it uses a metal bar system in the lower section that can be taken out and replaced with a longer bar as I get taller. I will have to reprint the foot and the upper attachment to the rest of my leg at some point, but I will get more use out of this leg than the ones I get with insurance. I started on this project in 4th grade, and I’ve been working on it for 3 years now. I am close to being finished, and it will be complete before Conference.
HAS IT BEEN CHALLENGING FOR YOU TO COMPLETE THIS PROJECT?
At times, yes! One challenge is getting the measurements right and getting it finished before they change again like measuring the length and the width on the top part — upper thigh that attaches to my leg. Another challenge is the weight of the printed leg in its entirety. We, Mr. Ratchford, my EAST Facilitator, and I, have tried so many types of filaments and designs in an effort to find a design that is comfortable and not too heavy. We have tried printing the leg using polylactide (PLA), a common filament in 3D printing, but it was not strong enough to survive an extended period of time. We have also tried Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) filament which is a stronger mate-
EAST PROJECTS
HAS EAST HELPED YOU GROW AS A STUDENT OR AS A PERSON?
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE HAD SUCCESS ON YOUR JOURNEY?
I think a big success is just learning how to use the different types of printers and getting to experiment with prints. Since I started, I have used five different printers all with different software to learn. One of our most significant breakthroughs was last year when I tried 3D scanning instead of just modeling. With 3D modeling, I have to use shapes to make a model, but it has been hard to get curved lines and the right fit to create an accurate leg. With 3D scanning, I used a Structure Sensor — a camera-like attachment that reads depth and density of space or objects to scale — and an iPad that we received through the EAST Beyond the Bell grant for a different project and was able to get a much better scan. Using the sensor helped my prints be more accurate. It allowed me to scan my leg and gave me the model I needed, so I did not
have to try and design it myself. I have printed so many pieces [said with a laugh]! I don’t have a whole usable leg yet; however, I will very soon. I hope to be walking on it by conference time. For my newest model I have the ankle printed and all the connecting pieces...just working on the foot now.
IF YOU HAD TO GUESS, HOW MANY PRINTS HAVE YOU ATTEMPTED?
I have printed more leg parts than I can count at this point, and I am still making prints. There have been so many failures from bad prints to wrong measurements. It has been hard, but it is going well now. I am working with other designers and even my doctor, Dr. John Scholz. Dr. Scholz has been a good supporter, and he thinks it is pretty cool that I have this opportunity in EAST to try and do something like this. We are both excited to see a finished leg and to try it out. There are still some days where the printer does not cooperate, but after all of those frustrating days, I feel like I am finally almost done.
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WHAT DO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS THINK ABOUT THE PROJECT? HAVE THEY HELPED YOU MOVE FORWARD IN ANY WAY? They like my project and that it is about me and something that I need. I feel like that is unique in some ways. EAST is about helping the community, but we can be part of that community, too. My family and friends do not know how to help really, other than to keep encouraging me.
WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF EAST TO KNOW ABOUT THE PROJECT? People should know that 3D printing is harder than it looks and to never stop trying to get it just right.
EAST IS ABOUT HELPING THE COMMUNITY, BUT WE CAN BE PART OF THAT COMMUNITY TOO.”
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rial, but it is a little too heavy. We have even tried carbon fiber, and we have played around with TPU (flex) filament for the ankle to give me more movement when I walk, but it is hard to get a good print with it. I have talked with NWA3D, a 3D printing company in the area and my facilitator for advice on what filament types would work best.
Definitely! EAST helps me be more comfortable anywhere I go, and it helped me understand that failed attempts just mean that you have to try again and not give up. Every time that I thought I figured out a design or figured out the 3D printer, I would find that I was outgrowing that part of the previous design and would have to start again. The fit and proportions are complicated, but I knew I would figure it out if I just kept trying.
WINTER 2019 | EAST QUARTERLY
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TECH USED
Phantom Drone Megatron Final Cut Pro Photoshop Adobe Premiere
E IS FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
EAST AT SOUTHSIDE CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL
IMPACTED
Bad Boy Mowers White River Medical Center
Precise Heating and Electric Dominos Batesville Poultry Citizens Bank
First Community Bank Grassroots Equipment US Pizza
Littlefield Express Wood Family Dealerships Shelter Insurance ACE Sports Future Fuels
E
AST students have a reputation for great projects that are the result of exploratory learning and serving others, but it is not often that we hear of them starting a marketing service for businesses in their town and surrounding counties. The students of Southside Charter High School in Batesville, Arkansas have given the E in EAST, Education Accelerated by Service and Technology, a new meaning: Entrepreneurship. Southside Live started as an EAST project led by a single student several years ago, and now it is known for its community impact and for developing enterprising students in droves. In 2012, Drew Hancock, an alumnus of Southside and current producer for Arkansas State University - TV, used his passion for video creation to approach his EAST facilitator and school administrators with the idea that the school should broadcast its football games live. School administrators were in support of his efforts and purchased a laptop
and mixer to accompany the camera the school already owned and allowed Drew and other students to produce a student-led broadcast. “With limited equipment — it was not in HD — and it was not ESPN, but they loved it and made it work,” says current EAST facilitator Jason Weaver. Some may have seen this as a limitation, but the students in EAST at Southside saw it as an opportunity to impact the larger community and local Superintendent Roger Rich agreed. After seeing the commitment the students made to producing a weekly broadcast, Superintendent Rich agreed to purchase higher-end equipment in 2017 that would allow Southside to provide the community with HD footage of sporting events and other school activities. After this investment, EAST students began taking steps to make this project more sophisticated on every level and ultimately created a social enterprise. “For football and other sports, we are producing an HD-quality broadcast that includes a pre-recorded coaches
EAST PROJECTS
show, a live halftime show, a live post-game show with a player and coaches interview (when available), as well as an alumni spotlight and a player of the game spotlight from the prior week,” says Weaver. While primary production happens on Friday nights, the students have expanded their impact beyond school needs. This project has become so well respected that it has generated a lucrative advertising business from community businesses that has raised over $6,000 so far this year. The money received will enable the school to purchase more technology for the program as well as provide a small stipend for the students who do the bulk of production. This opportunity has led the Southside Live team to begin to seriously map out a business plan to capitalize on their growing reputation and includes a strategic marketing and growth plan. Austin Sweat, one of many student leaders of Southside Live, created a marketing plan to grow the number of sponsoring businesses. Each business is given a 30-second commercial, directed and produced by EAST students, to show during school events. One of the things that they are proud of is that this service, which is funded by sporting event advertising, covers more than just athletics. In the past year, students like Kristen Sherrill and Josh Narramore have been
in charge of over 100 athletic events, graduation ceremonies at Southside and University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, educational conferences for Lyon College and White River Medical Center (WRMC), and multiple bands and choir concerts. Their efforts have allowed parents to see their children’s elementary and junior high programs and events that would not have been possible otherwise. Live streaming the choir concerts, athletics, and other school events has helped students share their talents and hard work with family members right down the road and as far away as Japan! When the school decided to put in a video board at the football stadium, they turned to Southside Live for help in raising the $250,000 needed to purchase a Megatron. Southside Live already had contacts with many of the sponsors the school had enlisted to pay for the 12’x24’ video board. In a matter of weeks, EAST at Southside had met with the businesses and created commercials and advertising to cover sponsorship needs for the upcoming year. The new project also led to more advertising opportunities and also new community partners for future projects. The quality of these commercials has garnered the attention of several businesses throughout the district like First Community Bank, Citizens Bank, and the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) who have all become sponsors on Southside Live as well as the Megatron project.
Southside students often find themselves developing graphics, scripts, and concepts for all forms of media and are the coordinators in the booth as well as the camera crew on the ground operating the Megatron. Students have met with White River Medical Center, and after the presentation, they expressed interest in purchasing a more expensive ad than the students had to sell. On the spot, the students were asked to brainstorm about extending this partnership beyond selling an advertisement. That conversation developed into a plan to work on a social media campaign for WRMC over the nine counties and clinics they serve and organizing two educational and charity events for Independence County. "I would’ve never gotten involved with the live stream stuff if Coach Weaver hadn't believed in me and let me figure it out. Now I can teach the new kids in EAST how to do it, and I’m pretty sure I want to do broadcasting for a job now," says Ian Jackson, a student leader on the project. The city of Batesville is lining up in support of EAST, and the students of Southside are happy to serve.
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GAME ON We asked Brian Dixon, Game Design instructor at Southern Arkansas University Tech in Camden, Arkansas and independent texture artist to offer insight and some tips to experiencing Virtual Reality. For the past eight years, Brian has conducted training for EAST in addition to volunteering and teaching breakout sessions at the annual EAST conference. Here is what he shared with us. 6
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weat streams down the player’s face. His pulse quickens. The vibrations from the xenomorph’s footsteps run through the space station’s metal plating. “Where is it?” “I shouldn’t play this game!” Short sentences are all he can manage between ragged breaths. “I can’t see it! This is terrifying!” An electronic ping gets the player’s attention. Motion detected. “It’s here.”
GEEK SPEAK
Slipping out of his hiding place, the player creeps down the corridor. “I shouldn’t be doing this,” he repeats with every step. He approaches a corner. His hands don’t want to obey the command to move. He begins to edge around the corner and stops cold. The xenomorph fills the hallway. It turns and lunges. The player lets out an undignified scream and snatches off the VR headset. Welcome to the world of Virtual Reality (VR). Games have always strived to create an immersive experience, but none have been able to transport the player into the game environment like VR does today. Why do we play video or role-playing games? According to television and game author Lee Sheldon, these games take us to places we have never been, make us into something we could never be, and let us do things we could never do. Virtual reality does all of these and does them better. So, what is Virtual Reality? The technical definition is: “the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.” What does that mean practically? It means a level of immersion not previously possible. Players become immersed in a game when they form a representation in their minds of the “world” in which the game is presenting them. They are fully immersed when they begin to favor the game world for their practical point of reference. Putting on a VR headset and headphones has the effect of immediately shifting the mind’s perspective to that of the game environment. Immersion is no longer a process; it occurs instantly. This is a huge leap
forward in the capacity to create and play “games.” Sit back and take a moment to imagine the possibilities. VR should not and cannot be confined to games. Imagine medical students using VR to learn enhanced surgical methods. What if you could watch a simulation of the pyramids being built or walk among the Hanging Gardens of Babylon at sunset? The potential of VR for education is truly staggering. I know what you are thinking: How do I get started making projects with VR? First, choose the VR system that is right for you. PC Magazine1 lists the following as the top seven VR headsets for 2019: Oculus Rift, Sony PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, Oculus Go, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive Pro, and Lenovo Mirage Solo with Daydream. If you will be using VR on a PC then you will want either the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive. The difference between the two is price and hardware requirements. The Rift has a lower average price ($300600) than the Vive ($700-800). The Vive also requires more space with its two positional trackers and also requires a higher end graphics card increasing the initial cost.
This is just one way that EAST students could use VR to develop more sophisticated projects. Possibilities abound, and with the innovative approach that EAST encourages, future projects could enter a new era of design and creativity.
Once you settle on the right headset, you will need to choose a game engine to develop your project. The two most popular engines are Unreal Engine and Unity; each with its own strengths. Unreal gives you more professional control over your product but is more complex to use and difficult to learn. Unreal uses C++ for its base programming language which is more difficult than Unity’s JavaScript and C#. Unity might be a better choice for students who have not mastered the more complex engine; however, either one can be used to build amazing VR projects.
https://www.pcmag.com/article/342537/the-best-virtual-reality-vr-headsets
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The last thing to consider is the type of project. As with any other EAST project, Virtual Reality is a tool to tackle real world problems. Several EAST students have attempted to build virtual tours of their schools to help incoming freshmen familiarize themselves with the layout. This certainly provides for an immediate need, but I hope to see more imaginative solutions in the future. Let me offer a challenge to any student in EAST looking to incorporate VR into their project portfolio: Go and find something of historical or cultural significance in or around your hometown and use Unreal/Unity and VR to both preserve it and make it accessible to more people.
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EAST BOARD OF DIRECTORS
K
nown as a lover of science and education, Dr. Michael Gealt's nomination and acceptance as a Fellow of the world’s largest general science society, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) was no surprise. Described as deserving of this recognition from one nominator, Robert Peterson, Gealt is now a part of an organization that is not only known for esteemed members like Thomas Edison and Margaret Mead but for currently leading the conversation around science funding and policy, climate change, energy policies, STEM education, vaccines, and space exploration1. “I am humbled to join the fellowship of such esteemed scientists, researchers, and academics whose work I admire,” Gealt said. Gealt began his post-secondary academic journey at Temple University where he earned a BA in Biology. He completed the journey when he received a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Rutgers University but proudly states he has never stopped learning. After working as a researcher in the Pharmacology Department at Rutgers Medical School and at the Fox Chase Cancer Center (Philadelphia, PA), Gealt was given the opportunity to share his knowledge as an appointed faculty member in the Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology at Drexel University. He was later named the Director of the School of Environmental Science, Engineering and Policy at Drexel. Gealt’s other roles in academic leadership include Dean of the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science at Purdue University Calumet (now Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, IN), Dean of the College of Science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR, Little Rock, AR) and leader of the 8
EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org
EAST BOARD MEMBER RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION
academic division of Central Michigan University (CMU) where he serves as the Executive Vice President & Provost (Mt. Pleasant, MI). As the Dean of the College of Science at UALR, Gealt played an essential role in establishing the UTeach initiative; a program that originated at the University of Texas, Austin whose mission was to find an innovative way to recruit, train, and impact the lives and careers of aspiring educators in the STEM field. Preparing teachers to educate innovatively is one of Gealt's many passions. While working to establish UTeach, he learned of EAST from a colleague at UALR and cultivated a relationship of support for the principles and impact it garnered. During his time in Arkansas, Gealt was selected as chairmen of the Arkansas STEM Coalition and used the position to help foster the establishment of UTeach at several institutions in the state. Gealt’s academic interests and achievements, as well as his civic involvements, made him a great candidate to become a member of the EAST Board of Directors in 2011. As he approaches the completion of his eighth year of service with EAST, it is rewarding to see that his contributions to our sustainability and growth enhanced his resumé for membership to AAAS.
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We have to get away from the “sage on the stage mentality” and let our students on every level get more involved when we teach.
Gealt explained the work that supported his AAAS nomination was in the following areas: • Supporting STEM education as former chair of the Arkansas STEM Coalition; working with the group that brought the UTeach program to Arkansas; as a board member of EAST; and in a group working with the Great Lakes Bay Regional Association to enhance STEM K-12 teaching in central Michigan. • Biochemistry and genetic research on the fungus Aspergillus nidulans, particularly its developmental processes. • Research on the transmission of genetically modified elements between bacteria in natural systems such as waste treatment facilities and soil, including understanding how genes migrate through populations to enhance natural processes such as biodegradation and bioremediation. As Central Michigan University’s fourth AAAS fellow and current Provost, Dr. Michael Gealt is living out his philosophy of project-based, active learning in real-world settings. Gealt has expanded the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at CMU where current faculty members develop their skills to foster an interactive classroom and high-quality online programs. He supported the development of a partnership with the St. John’s School District (St. John’s, MI) through the CMU College of Education and Human Services to develop an agricultural-based program to teach STEM. Gealt has also been able to enhance research efforts by CMU faculty and students; while he was Provost, the university was reclassified to a Research 2 (High Re-
search Activity) institution.“The best way to learn science is to do science,” he says. “We have to get away from the ‘sage on the stage mentality’ and let our students on every level get more involved when we teach. ” Shortly after announcing his membership with AAAS, the 70-year-old father, scientist, educator, and motorcycle enthusiast announced his plan to retire in June of 2019. “Former EAST Board member, Jerry Damerow, told me that 70 was the new 40," says Gealt. It was with that mindset that Dr. Gealt shared with us his plans to do more research, of course, but when he is not learning, he will be riding his motorcycle across the United States, supporting his grandchildren (including the granddaughter who sings with the Pennsylvania Girls Choir), and traveling. He is especially looking forward to visiting countries below the equator.
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EAST PROJECTS
T C A P M I G I B A E K A M
If you have ever experienced an injury that has required occupational therapy, think back to how monotonous those visits could be, not to mention the set of exercises the therapist requires to be done at home. Now imagine meeting with an occupational therapist who says that the healing process will not only be enhanced but engaging. Blake Battles and Dillon Hall have been working for almost two years to make this virtual experience a reality for elementary school students in the district who receive occupational therapy. Blake and Dillon are two EAST students at South Side Bee Branch High School who in 2017 began creating a virtual reality (VR) app to help those in need of occupational therapy enhance their hand-eye coordination and strengthen their visual motor integration. During their first year in EAST at South Side, Blake approached Dillon about working together on a project that was inspired by watching other students at EAST Night Out, in another school district, use an egg carton and a ping pong ball to demonstrate hand-eye coordina10
EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org
tion. Blake recounts how the project and partnership originated: “I approached Dillon about forming a partnership and designing our own hands-on project. Mrs. (Julie) Nelson, our EAST Facilitator, suggested we make an appointment with our school Occupational Therapist, Mr. Marcus Hutto. After meeting with Mr. Hutto, it soon became apparent he already had plenty of paper-and-pencil and game-type hands-on activities. While eating lunch in EAST one day, we discussed the possibility of incorporating VR into our project to make it more sophisticated. We decided to make a VR handwriting game. Mr. Hutto suggested doing something involving hand-eye coordination, that would help strengthen visual motor integration. After brainstorming ideas, we pitched the idea of developing a game that included different sports themes, levels of intensity, and various sports equipment that could be used virtually.” While using the virtual reality headset, Oculus, and Unity, a game design software, Blake and Dillon de-
signed a program to assist students who have trouble with visual motor integration caused by a limited acuity, visual perception deficits, or a poor fine or gross motor ability. With Nelson’s guidance and support, Blake and Dillon have written and received funding from two grants to help them purchase items they need in the Unity Asset store – a digital store where users can buy plugins to enhance their software design experience. With these purchases, the two students began beta testing in December 2018 with the
“WORKING ON THE PROJECT HAS TAUGHT ME THAT WORK CAN BE HARD, BUT IF YOU KEEP AT IT, THEN YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH MORE THAN YOU EVER THOUGHT YOU COULD. THAT ATTITUDE NOW AFFECTS ALL AREAS OF MY LIFE.” -DILLON
guidance of Mr. Hutto. Along the way, they have realized that the app may have more significant implications than just for occupational therapy; stroke patients may also benefit from its programming. The app offers varying degrees of difficulty and is designed for a broad population. Along the journey of development, there were countless times Blake and Dillon encountered problems. They started with what they thought was a simple task: make a ball roll around on the ground. Soon it became apparent that something that sounded simple was not. It took many attempts, but they finally got the ball rolling. “Getting that ball to roll helped us realize that if we could do this, then there were no limits to what we could accomplish,” shared Dillon. Blake shared similar sentiments as he detailed another unique yet humorous struggle. “When we added the Oculus hardware to our project, any item the player would “pick up” would be shot into the air,” he said with laughter. “Weeks were spent trying to figure out how to fix this problem which was driving us insane, but we conquered it.”
more prevalent in recent years beyond the gaming world. It can be seen in military, academic, or medical settings enhancing the learning and living experiences of many1. Mr. Hutto explains his excitement to be a part of this project with Blake and Dillon. “As the technology becomes more integrated into our smartphones and even televisions this – VR is a growing market for both therapeutic and accessibility applications. It is also heartening to me personally to see high school students taking an interest in using developing technology in ways to help people and society.” While Mr. Hutto’s clients continue to test the app, Blake and Dillon continue to look for ways to improve their product and themselves. “EAST has helped me be a better student and strive to put as much effort in my other school work as I do in this project,” says Dillon. “Grant writing has helped me become a better writer in general and has given me confidence.”
option of how I could develop this better and how the students could benefit from it.” “I believe EAST has also provided this facilitator with those same relevant, life-changing experiences that are promised to the students,” says Mrs. Nelson. “... I have learned new techniques and how to troubleshoot better.” Mrs. Nelson described the growth students display after spending time in an EAST environment as astounding. The sophistication of their projects not only helps them but their facilitators and community members as well. What typically starts as a project in the mind of a student, can quickly transform into a path of development for self-confidence, lasting friendships, and an impactful service. Technology is all around us, and EAST students are using it to accomplish great things in their community. These young men want the rest of the world that has not had an encounter with an EAST environment yet to know that if two small-town boys can put in the hard work to accomplish something of this magnitude, so can you!
“EAST has helped me in regards to my critical thinking,” says Blake. “I have gone from relying on others Although VR technology has been and their knowledge of EAST, to around for some time, it has become sitting down and thinking of every 1 Pullen, J. P. (2015, November 20th)Everything to Know About Virtual Reality. Time Magazine Vol.186 No.21.
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EAST STAFF
MEET THE EAST OPERATIONS TEAM We asked a few members of our staff:
“If asked at age 5 what you wanted to be when you grew up, what would you have said?” Phaedra Cowan
Student Trainer Coordinator Phaedra@EASTstaff.org
Whitney Croy Office Coordinator
Whitney@EASTstaff.org
A registered nurse or a model.
When I was five years old I most likely would’ve wanted to grow up to be an artist because I liked to draw. Unfortunately I soon realized stick figures weren’t praised highly in the art world.
Diana Denning
Shelby Dixon
Designer
Diana@EASTstaff.org
Events Intern
Shelby@EASTstaff.org
I thought I wanted to be a teacher. So much in fact, that my cousin and I used to line our stuffed animals up in rows and “teach” them. After having some fantastic teachers later in life, I knew I wasn’t cut out for it!
When I was 5 I wanted to be a hip-hop dancer. I am still holding on to the dream!
Jessica Dunham
Apryl Jackson
Director of Events
Jessica@EASTstaff.org
Communications Coordinator Apryl@EASTstaff.org
Everything from a teacher to a dancer! I always had big ambitions... and the inability to commit myself to doing only one thing.
When I was five years old I wanted to be a Lakers Girl! I had a costume and everything! I would stand in front of the TV when my dad was watching the game and imitate the moves with my cheaply made pompoms! Best times ever!
Lani Jennings-Hall
Melanie Ridlon
Marketing & Events Coordinator Lani@EASTstaff.org
Marine Biologist - I wanted to swim with the dolphins and save them while doing it!
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EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org
Senior Director of Operations Melanie@EASTstaff.org
At age five, my biggest aspiration was to become a “kidnapper.” After a brief incident involving locking my best friend and neighbor in my room so that she could play with me forever, I learned that this might not be the wisest direction. Actually, I think I wanted to be a teacher at that age.
THANK YOU
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