Presentation tools for high-resolution and multiple displays

Presentation software was originally developed as a way to design overhead transparencies to be used as visual aids in talks. While much of the software has since then changed, the basic design using the slide metaphor still follows the original purpose and does not accommodate the different needs and uses presentation software has today. We describe our experiences and design process in developing MultiPresenter - a presentation system that works on multiple displays designed to promote audiences' learning. Our human-centered approach includes observing instructors use of traditional visual aids such as whiteboards and blackboards as well as newer aids such as computer-generated slide presentations, interviews with instructors during the requirement gathering phase, and multiple iterations of design and testing during the implementation phase. We describe our current and future plans for evaluating and extending our system. Evaluations focus on the deployment of MultiPresenter in actual classrooms to gain valuable feedback from both instructors and students on our design decisions and on the effects that our system has on learning.