The most powerful uses of the iPad when a teacher is able to project the iPad screen to a projector or TV. There are so many ways the teacher can then use the iPad in the classroom, and being able to project the screen makes it so much more valuable. There are also several ways to do this. Let's take a look at those ways to begin with.
Current Pricing for Apple TV (4th Generation) 32 GB $149; HDMI to VGA Adapters $9-$40
The best way to be able to project your iPad is wirelessly. This give you as a teacher the ability to take the iPad anywhere in the room. One of the preferred options is using an AppleTV. The AppleTV can be a powerful classroom addition on its own, but when paired with an iPad they become a powerhouse tandem for you. To connect the AppleTV to the projector you will need different things depending on the projector you have. The AppleTV's output is HDMI. So if your projector has HDMI all you need it an HDMI cable to use it. If your projector does not have HDMI you will need some type of HDMI to VGA adapter. Contact your Field Tech or Technology Coach for help with this.
The other ways to project your iPad wirelessly involve software that is loaded onto your computer. The two best examples of this are Reflector® and AirServer® . With these programs on your computer, you connect your computer to the projector, then run the program and your iPad screen appears on your computer screen.
Reflector3 Download Reflector3 is a product of Squirrels LLC. The current cost is $14.99. If purchasing several licenses for your school, a bulk discount can be obtained.
Recently released Reflector TeacherLinks to an external site. is a new upgrade that allows teachers to not only display their device, but student devices as well. The cost is the same as Reflector3.
AirServerLinks to an external site. is a similar program to Reflector. It works the same way. The current cost for AirServer is $11.99. You can purchase in bulk and receive lower pricing.
Apple TV Setup
When your Apple TV is setup you shouldn't actually see much. The Apple TV should be connected to the projector. It will either be connected directly to the projector or to a VGA port in the wall of your classroom (Again, your Field Tech should do this for you).
If your Apple TV is connected directly to your projector, the setup will look something like this. (Except in CSD we mount them above so you actually may not see them.)
If your Apple TV is connected to the wall, you will see a setup similar to this by your VGA connection at the wall. (The converters we use now are actually much smaller and inconspicuous. )
Either way, you don't need to set this up, just talk to your Field Tech and have them do it.
Reflector/Air Server Setup
This video shows how to setup and connect your iPad to your computer which in turn would be connected to your projector.
If using an Apple TV, have your Field Tech get it setup on your projector. Once it is set up you will do the following:
1. On your Mac or iPad find Airplay. On the Mac you may need to go into System Preferences––>Display Preferences to turn it on the first time. On an iOS device (iPad/iPhone) open the Control Center and tap on Screen Mirroring.
Mac Airplay
iOS Airplay
Mac list of available Apple TVs
iOS list of available Apple TVs
2. You should see a list of available Apple TVs. Click or Tap on your Apple TV and the screen you are trying to share will appear through your projector. You can then do anything you want on your iPad and share what you are doing with your class.
Using Reflector or Air Server
If you go with the software route, once the software has been purchased and you have a license code, install the software. If you are not comfortable with this have your Field Tech install the software for you.
Once the software is installed, launch the software. In this example I will be demonstrating using Reflector.