the brainstorming process, individual and group plans of action are constructed and refined. This is the process in which the facilitator plays the largest direct role, as supervisor and mentor — when the actual projects begin, the facilitator's primary role changes to that of observer and supporter. Projects vary in goal and method of execution, but share the same central philosophy: with motivation, encouragement, and access to professional technology, students are capable of great things. EAST Conference The culmination of any given EAST project can be seen at the annual EAST Conference, traditionally held in the spring. The Conference brings together teams and projects from all participating schools with the purpose of allowing students to demonstrate what they've accomplished and learn from one another. In the formative years of the EAST program, projects were displayed individually, with each team bringing one project to display; however, in more recent years, this has shifted towards an "overall" presentation, allowing each project in the individual program time in the spotlight. This conference is usually located at the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas. At the end of each EAST Conference, various awards, including the biggest, the Timothy R. Stephenson Founders Award, are given to recognize the programs that are determined by a panel of judges to be superior, and the winning schools receive monetary and technological rewards for their efforts. Research The EAST model is grounded in solid pedagogical theory related to the use of technology as a catalyst for learning, collaborative learning, and performance-based learning. In the EAST model: The use of technology promotes collaboration, higher order thinking, and problem solving. Professional development is an important component of the education technology program. Technology is effectively integrated into the curriculum. Students independently select appropriate technology tools to obtain, analyze, synthesize and assimilate information. Home/school connections are enhanced through the use of technology. All students have adequate access to technology. Teachers encourage students to utilize technology to find and make sense of information. References http://www.eastconference.org/ External links EAST Initiative Education in the United States Non-profit organizations based in Arkansas 1995 establishments in Arkansas