May 2007

3501 Quadrangle Blvd., Suite 260
Orlando, Florida 32817
407-823-9991
www.ecsorl.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RDECOM STTC Media Contact: Michelle Milliner 407-620-9170
ECS Media Contact: Mary Trier 407-620-3357

ECS to Design New Virtual Classroom

Avatar-based instructional delivery will provide the Department of Homeland Security on-line/virtual world, 3D secure social network for training and education capability.

Orlando, Fla.  May 7, 2008.   Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS), headquartered in Orlando, Fla., announced today that it has received its first contract funded by the Department of Homeland Security.  Working in conjunction with the U.S. Army RDECOM Simulation and Training Technology Center and the Department of Homeland Security, ECS will design a virtual classroom capability.  The classroom will incorporate avatar-based instructional delivery and, when fielded, will provide the Department of Homeland Security a 3D secure social network for on-line/ virtual world training and education.
 
ECS will design and deliver the virtual classroom capability to support critical curriculum and educational goals using web-based instruction.  Instructors and students will interact and collaborate within the 3D secure social network environment controlling representations of themselves called avatars.  Using enhanced communications through Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and instant messaging in the virtual world, real-time information exchange of presentations, information, and collaboration takes place and enables individuals and/or groups of individuals to receive realistic and timely training and mission rehearsal for disaster response and other important missions. 

When complete, the virtual classroom will be integrated into the Joint State Response Training System’s (JSRTS) Emergency Management Nexus (EM-Nexus), the National Guard’s custom-built virtual world, also under development by ECS.

          LTC Ray Compton, Acting Director of RDECOM’s Simulation and Training Technology Center, stated “The virtual classroom is a critical step in advancing online training and education initiatives.”  He added, “Leveraging the National Guard EM Nexus program allows the Army and Department of Homeland Security to get increased capability and at the same time ensure interoperability of programs.”

          ECS president, Waymon Armstrong stated that “ECS is pleased to provide this 3D secure social network program which will increase web-based learning, collaboration and provide a ‘classroom of the future’ for the Department of Homeland Security, the Army and ultimately increased functionality of the National Guard’s EM NEXUS program.”