Wacom to Showcase Latest Innovations for Interactive Education at Educause 2012

VANCOUVER, Wash., Nov. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Wacom^®, the world's leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays and digital interface solutions, is showcasing their wide variety of products at Educause 2012 for teaching professionals seeking to create and deliver dynamic and engaging digital content in the classroom. At booth #207/209 visitors will receive a hands-on experience to see the latest features and benefits Wacom's interactive products are bringing to the education industry.

Wacom will show how its industry-leading pen displays and tablets are providing those who teach in an interactive classroom, a flipped classroom, or a distance learning scenario, an intuitive and interactive way to communicate and collaborate through handwritten notes, sketches, and drawings. In addition, Wacom's professional line of products used by top art, design, animation and photography schools around the world will also be on display.

"With the ongoing evolution of teaching methods and environments, many in the education industry are focusing on finding the right technology for their specific needs," says Michael Marcum, Vice President of Vertical Markets for Wacom.  "Whether looking for an alternative to costly interactive whiteboards or to update the classroom and break away from traditional instruction methods, Wacom has a digital solution to fit the growing technology requirements for educators."

Many education-focused companies find such value in the implementation of Wacom products into their programs, that they've become partners to better their education systems. For example, the We Teach Science Foundation, founded in 2008 to inspire K-12 students to excel in their math and science education, works with Wacom to assist in their highly successful remote tutoring program.

"Our Remote Tutoring and Mentoring program is a simple way for our volunteers to help students without physically coming to the classroom," explains Aragon Burlingham, We Teach Science Founder and President. "The e-mentoring program uses a web-based interactive whiteboard and audio connection, allowing students and mentors the flexibility of connecting from two separate locations.  Using Wacom tablets, the pairs can draw graphs, solve equations and explore the applications of math and science – all while miles apart. Participants in the program have shown an increase in test scores across the board."

The following input devices will be available for demonstration at the Wacom booth:

• Designed to optimize presentation proficiency and interactivity, the high-definition DTU-2231 and compact DTU-1631 offer "pen-point" control to annotate directly on-screen, and integrate seamlessly with Microsoft^® PowerPoint^®, the predominant software application for training sessions and lectures. Boasting a 21.5" HD (1920x1080) display, the DTU-2231 is ideal for several environments – including distance learning and collaborative workgroups. With a pen display linked to an LCD projector, those in-person are able to see exactly what the online audience is viewing on their remote computer screens. The DTU-1631 provides teaching professionals with a natural pen-on-screen workflow, which is perfect for engaging audiences as the presenter does not need to turn their back to add content. Delivering a compact form factor with a 15.6" LCD display, the DTU-1631 pen input is helpful and intuitive for writing notes and drawing diagrams, creating an interactive environment and enhancing the audiences learning environment.
• The Cintiq^® family of interactive pen displays combines the advantages of an LCD monitor with the natural feel and superior performance of Wacom's patented, professional pen technology. Intuos^®5 delivers a revolutionary new pen tablet experience, combining Wacom's finest pen capabilities with an intuitive multi-touch surface and new productivity features. Educators and students in a variety of artistic fields, including photography, design, animation and illustration can use Wacom's Cintiq and professional grade Intuos5 pen tablets in virtually every stage of their digital workflow. 
• The Bamboo Splash and Bamboo Capture offer a variety of options for activities like photography, art and sketching, digital inking, and general computer navigation using multi-touch gestures. The Bamboo Splash, which includes an exclusive suite of software from ArtRage® and Autodesk®, allows users to replicate pencils, chalks, oils and watercolors as they move the Bamboo pen naturally across the tablet. With Bamboo Splash, users can create their own effects, experiment, and share their work with others digitally.

Bamboo Capture is ideal for students interested in learning about photo editing, illustration, or animation.  Bamboo Capture works with Adobe® Photoshop® Elements, which are included, as well as several other photo software applications for editing and perfecting digital images. Users are able to make portraits come alive, remove unwanted details, improve skin tones, and create unique compositions. Bamboo Capture also features multi-touch input, so users can use the tablet to zoom in on photos, scroll through albums, and navigate around their computer, using the familiar gestures of a mobile device.

At $79 and $99 respectively, the Bamboo products are also a good economical choice for distance learners. 

About Wacom
Founded in 1983, Wacom's vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world's leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays and digital interface solutions. The advanced technology of Wacom's intuitive input devices provide business and home users with the ability to explore digital content creation in a comfortable, natural way.

For more information, please contact:
Brooke Dale
Liaison PR
503.796.9822
[email protected]

SOURCE Wacom