Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- New York Times technology writer David Pogue will deliver the keynote speech at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, in Forum Hall at Kansas State University's student union as part of the inaugural Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference.

Pogue is a Scientific American columnist, correspondent for "CBS News Sunday Morning" and host of "NOVA ScienceNow" on PBS. He is the author of seven "For Dummies" books on such topics as Macintosh computers, magic and opera, and he writes a series of how-to technology books.

"We are so lucky to be able to listen to the words of a true visionary," said Rob Caffey, director of the university's office of mediated education. "David Pogue is entertaining and enlightening, and people will enjoy that his presentation is accessible to all types of audiences."

Pogue's keynote address will be "Science, Schmience: Why America's Failing Science -- and How We Can Turn It Around."

American students do not have a basic understanding of science, according to Pogue, putting students at a disadvantage as science and technology help grow the nation's economy.

"His talk will touch on so many different aspects of what we do here at Kansas State University and at universities and schools across the area," Caffey said.

Pogue also will host a breakout session on digital photography at 1:30 p.m. March 5 at the Alumni Center.

The Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference, hosted by the university's information technology services, is a free, two-day conference March 4-5. The regional conference is geared toward the higher education community and anyone interested in technology and innovation.

The conference is a merger of the Teaching, Learning and Technology Showcase and the Axio Learning Conference. It will feature seven workshops, a showcase with more than 40 tables, and seven vendors.

More information, including a conference schedule and online registration, is available at http://theitl.org.