Thursday, March 28, 2013

Apple TV

      First off if you are unaware I am not talking about an actual TV(although I think we all feel that would be an incredible idea), but rather an unassuming black box that connect to your TV or projector.  I had heard rumblings about Apple TV and I was interested, but I didn't get it.  What application could it have in a school.  Netflix is blocked along with many of the other applications so I thought it would be a waste. But I was wrong for one reason...

AIR PLAY

      If you are using an ipad in the classroom you need to have an Apple TV, two wires and you can wireless stream anything on your ipad to your projector or TV.  Now I will say that we have a strong wireless network and projectors that can handle HDMI and if you didn't have those things I don't know how well it would work.  But I am in love, I have only had it two days and I couldn't believe all the things that I was missing.  If the ipad itself was an educational game changer, Apple TV changes the game again, and for those who don't think the ipad is a game changer, Apple TV will change their mind.  The best part, relatively cheap.  Think three cartons of paper cheap.

     I have it set up in three classrooms so far, and I have pulled teachers in to show them, and at first they blow it off, smile and say "thats neat", but by the time the reach the door, they turn and say "hey I can use it for", "the kids could".
 
     If you haven't looked at it, you should.   In my humble opinion its a worthwhile investment.

1 comment: