Using the Wacom Touch Display for Interactive Learning

What is a Wacom Touch Display?

A touch display that allows users to write or draw with an electronic stylus or their fingers like they would with a pen on paper. Annotations appear instantly in PowerPoint, PDFs, or any presentation material. It's far more intuitive than trying to create with a mouse, allowing for precise and detailed annotations that enhance your teaching.

Where is the Wacom Touch Display in Our Classrooms?

The Wacom Touch display is currently integrated into several classroom teaching podium monitors, with plans for broader implementation across campus. You can find these displays in:

• Library: 205A, 340
• Basic Science: 106, 130, 202, 349, 402, 502
• Drug Discovery: 110
• Bioengineering: 110, 112 

For the most up-to-date classroom availability, please consult the 25Live classroom schedule.

What are the benefits of using the Wacom Touch Display?

1. Enhanced Visual Learning:
   • Enables real-time visualization of complex concepts
   • Allows for spontaneous illustration in response to student questions
2. Increased Student Engagement:
   • Creates interactive presentations that capture student attention
   • Facilitates active learning through annotations from students and educators
3. Improved Content Creation:
   • Allows for natural writing and drawing similar to traditional whiteboards without space and height limitations
   • Enables saving and sharing of annotated content
4. Enhanced Student Review of Learning Materials:
   • Enables students to review live demonstrations at their own pace
   • Support independent learning through saved annotations

What has faculty experience been like using the Wacom Touch Display?

In the video below, Dr. Dave Shirley from the College of Pharmacy shares his experience with using the Wacom to engage students and guide learning. He also shares some tips for faculty who would like to integrate this technology in their teaching.

How does the Wacom Display work with PowerPoint?

PowerPoint has a suite of annotation tools that works well with the Wacom Display. Using the Wacom display with Microsoft PowerPoint can significantly enhance teaching presentations.

For example,

1. Maximizing Slide Space:
   • You can utilize the entire slide to create more space.
2. Real-Time Annotations:
   • Write directly on your slideshow during presentations
   • Keep students engaged with dynamic content markup
   • Annotate images with highlights, circles, and explanations
   • Capture ideas using different colored pens
   • Save annotations for future reference 

In the video below, Dr. Shirley demonstrates how he uses the Wacom Display with PowerPoint annotations.

Pedagogical and Technology Integration Considerations for Success

1. Plan for Effective Integration:
   • Design lessons that leverage the display's annotation capabilities
   • Prepare digital materials that can benefit from live markup
   • Consider how annotations will enhance learning objectives
2. Develop Technical Proficiency:
   • Practice using the display before class sessions
   • Familiarize yourself with different pen tools and features
   • Have backup plans in case of technical issues
3. Structure Interactive Elements:
   • Plan specific moments for live annotation during lectures
   • Create opportunities for student participation
   • Design activities that utilize the display's capabilities
4. Consider Visibility and Accessibility:
   • Ensure annotations are clear and visible to all students
   • Use high-contrast colors and appropriate line thickness
   • Save annotated content for students who need to review later
5. Incorporate Active Learning Strategies:
   • Use the display for collaborative problem-solving
   • Engage students in interactive demonstrations
   • Create opportunities for student annotation when appropriate
6. Maintain Pedagogical Focus:
   • Ensure technology enhances rather than distracts from learning
   • Balance digital annotation with other teaching methods
   • Use annotations purposefully to support learning objectives

The Classroom Technology team is available to assist with learning how to use the Wacom Touch Display. To request a consultation, send an email to classroom-av@musc.edu