EarthWalk Communications Inc. Adds Software to its NetWize Solution

MANASSAS, VIRGINIA. April 2, 2002 - EarthWalk Communications, Inc., a leading education technology provider, is excited to announce its expansion into software solutions.   EarthWalk is now partnering with Tool Factory, Inc. to market their full line of multimedia authoring and curriculum-based software applications.  EarthWalk has also launched its own powerful computer lab management application, Show & Tell, to teachers across the country.  These additions to the EarthWalk line of products give this education-focused company the ability to positively impact schools’ effective use of their computers, therefore improving student performance and enhancing program goals.

To bring a content dimension to its NetWize™ solution, EarthWalk has created an alliance with a Vermont-based company, Tool Factory, Inc.   Tool Factory is distributing a line of innovative software products geared for learning, including best-selling multimedia tools from the United Kingdom and Scandinavia, a highly popular spelling program from Australia, and other hits from around the globe.  Tool Factory Workshop is a suite of educational tools designed to meet the needs of diverse learners by integrating a myriad of media types.  It launched last summer and has already been selected as the Editor’s Choice Blue Ribbon Software by Linda Lindroth at Teaching K-8 Magazine.

“EarthWalk’s NetWize hardware solution gives the teachers valuable flexibility to adapt to the needs of the student. Tool Factory's software is designed with the same philosophy, so the combination of both is unbeatable," explained Heather Chirtea, President of Tool Factory, Inc.

EarthWalk is breaking new ground with its classroom management software, Show & Tell™.  This application gives the power back to the teachers.  It provides teachers with total control of all computers in their classrooms enabling them to distribute lessons, launch multiple applications, monitor student activity and share work with the class. Show & Tell’s integrated web browser enables teachers to restrict or direct students to pre-determined web sites and limit browser navigation.

“We can now offer our customers a well rounded solution by combining our hardware technology with the software applications teachers need in order to effectively use technology as a teaching tool in the classroom. With the introduction of Show & Tell, teachers will now be able to control, deliver and execute their lesson plans right from their own computers with a single mouse click. When combined with our NetWize Solution, Tool Factory's educational software applications provide teachers with a true interactive learning environment,” explained Brian Holder, VP of Business Development for EarthWalk Communications Inc.

About Tool Factory, Inc.

Tool Factory conducted an exhaustive search for unique educational software in various markets around the globe.  Their flagship product line consists of 17 educational software tools that were handpicked by teachers for their innovative contribution to computer-based learning.  Publishing alliances have been forged with Granada Learning, GPC Labs, and LaunchPad Multimedia.  In addition, Tool Factory is distributing educational software for 13 other well-established publishers from English-speaking markets.  Tool Factory’s premier catalog is jam-packed with best-selling software, featuring over 100 CD-ROM products, plus Toshiba digital cameras, and training workshops. Visit http://www.toolfactory.com

For press inquiries, please contact Kendra Ericson at kendra@toolfactory.com

About the NetWize System

The NetWize System is a fully integrated wireless learning environment, a computer lab on wheels, consisting of up to 32 eBuddy wireless laptop computers, a large screen multimedia presentation monitor or LCD projector, wireless remote keyboard, software and training. The exclusive power-pulse architecture power management system enables the NetWize SmartCart to power and recharge 32 laptop computers on a single 15-amp circuit. Quick-swap battery technology is built into eBuddies so that with the addition of a NetWize BatteryBay™ students can keep working, not waiting for battery recharging.

About EarthWalk Communications, Inc.

EarthWalk Communications, Inc. was established in 1996 with the vision of being a leading provider of technologies and tools to improve computer and Internet use in the classroom.  With an established customer base is over 3,000 school districts nationwide, EarthWalk has gained a reputation for solving problems and delivering cost-effective technology that enhances teachers' capabilities to teach and students' abilities to learn. EarthWalk’s dedication to serving the education community has earned them a #1 ranking as the fastest growing technology company in Virginia by the Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 50 program.  For information, contact: http://www.earthwalk.com.

Contact: Susan Reade VP Educational Services 888-213-4900 x282 susan@earthwalk.com