Ways to Pro

1. January 12th, 2013 Published by: daabraham
5 Ways to Project Your
iPad in the Classroom
download this and try AirServer or Reflector (this used to be
5 Ways to project your iPads in called Reflection). This software runs on your computer and
the classroom | Denise & Lal's allows devices to mirror iPad to the computer screen. Since the
computer is connected to a projector, then the iPad shows on
Empower Network Blog the projector.
All teachers need to find a way to display their iPads in the It isn’t foolproof, as technology rarely is. Get your tech
classroom. They need to be able to project what’s on their department involved up front. Let them know that you will
iPad to their students. They need this ability in order to want to project your iPads in the classroom. Test it often
communicate ideas and to clearly teach concepts -in much the without students so that you don’t waste time with a class.
way that black boards and white boards have been used in the AirPlay requires the device and the computer or Apple TV
past. So what is the best way to project iPads in the classroom? to be on the same network. Sometimes schools have different
networks for mobile devices and for PCs so AirPlay won’t work.
Projecting iPads in the classroom Also, AirPlay requires specific ports to be open on the network
If you don’t need to move around with the iPad and you can and sometimes they are not. Free trials will be a big advantage,
keep it in one place use a VGA adapter (for 30-pin Dock so take advantage of AirSever and Reflector so you can test
connector or for the new Lightning connector) or a document your school’s setup before purchasing.
camera (or USB camera). Your iPad is then wired to the device The chart below will help you to compares these methods of
and you don’t have the mobility you would have with a wireless displaying iPad’s screen on a projector. You’ll want to click
transmitter. the image to download the easier-to-read PDF version. This
would be a very good reference for your IT dept as well. Many
Wireless transmission of your iPads in the teachers resist the technology craze for just the reasons of
classroom these kinds of complexity and unreliability. In some ways I can
This is the best way to use an iPad – why be tied down with appreciate this phobia or reluctance. It can be complex, and it
wires? Today’s technology is wireless – and your iPads in the doesn’t always work flawlessly – which is a huge frustration.
classroom should be also. To wirelessly transmit your iPad to So, once you have things set up, best not to make changes
screen or to allow your students to do the same to show off without more testing. And, be sure that if you set this up
their work - it’s more difficult that simply plugging in a wire. yourself without the IT dept assistance that they understand
But it’s worth it. Try Apple’s Air Play that is already built into the requirements so that they avoid making changes without
all iPad 2s, and the iPad mini. AirPlay works over Wi-Fi and realizing how these changes may effect the projection of your
requires all devices using it to be on the same network. iPads in the classroom.
Apple TV is a small techie box that can connect to a projector.
iPad can mirror wirelessly to Apple TV using AirPlay. Apple TV
only outputs HDMI. Check to be sure that your projector has
HDMI input. Your projector might not have HDMI input. In
that case, you’ll need an HDMI to VGA adapter like the Kanex
ATVPRO.
Chances are you already have a computer connected to your
projector. In that case need to look into using software that
will turn your computer into an AirPlay receiver. You can
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2. January 12th, 2013 Published by: daabraham
Imagine the satisfaction of your students and your own
satisfaction when each and every presentation can be
projected and appreciated by teachers and students. It’s worth
the effort, and afterall, these skills will be required of these
future university students and later as executives in the real
world. Teachers do themselves and their students a great
service in preparing them to use technology in this way, and
projecting iPads in the classroom is just one small aspect of the
use of technology in education.
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