Karla Williams gave a presentation to the Technology Committee about using more visual and digital tools to enhance classroom learning. She argued that while classrooms remain largely text-based, students live in a digital world rich with visual technologies. PowerPoint can be an engaging tool if used properly by focusing on meaningful content rather than flashy designs. She provided examples of how primary sources, infographics, and data visualizations could spark inquiry-based learning and showed models of engaging presentations from other presenters. Williams invited the committee to a upcoming workshop on bringing more digital learning into the classroom.

1. Powerful Inquiry Presentations Karla Williams Technology Committee Meeting 3/17/11

2. We live in a digital age... Full of visual technologies

3. …yet our classrooms and assignments are text-based

4. PowerPoint can be so sssssseductive!

5. PowerPoint can be so sssssseductive! Cute clipart! Cool fonts! Crashing sounds! Crazy transitions!

7. was a German-born theoretical physicist who discovered the theory of general relativity, effecting a revolution in physics.

8. For this achievement, Einstein is often regarded as the father of modern physics.

10. was a German-born theoretical physicist who discovered the theory of general relativity, effecting a revolution in physics.

11. For this achievement, Einstein is often regarded as the father of modern physics.

12. He received the 1921Nobel Prize in Physics "5 minutes copying for Wikipedia 30 minutes Googling for pics 5 minutes animating slide

13. Designing Powerful Experiences… Missions Examples Opportunities

14. Modeling Engaging Examples… Seabright Hoffman

15. Falkirk Wheel

16. Creative Commons Wikimedia Dueling Images

17. Primary Source Documents Library of Congress

18. Infographic

21. Number of Passenger Cars per Capita Cartogram www.worldmapper.org

22. Inquiry-Based Learning Question Investigate Pull together Reflect

23. Digital Learning in the Classroom April 18 4-6:00pm