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10 Ways to Show Your iPad on a Projector Screen

10 Ways to Show Your iPad on a Projector Screen

Projecting your iPad on a large screen is great for demonstrations, simulations, explanations, and showing examples. There are several ways this can be done in the classroom. Scroll to the end of this post for a comparison chart.

If you don’t mind keeping your iPad in one spot, then a VGA adapter (for 30-pin Dock connector or for Lightning connector). Apple has made four types of adapters – determine which one you need. Or, a document or USB camera might work for you.

If you want to wirelessly transmit your device’s screen and audio so that you or your students can walk around the room, then it gets more complicated. You’ll tap into Apple’s AirPlay feature that is built into all iPad 2s and newer, including iPad mini. AirPlay works over Wi-Fi and requires all devices using it to be on the same network (unless you’re using the newest Apple TV and iOS 8–then you can use a peer-to-peer connection or if you’re using Mirroring360).

Apple TV is a small black box that can connect to a projector. iPad can mirror wirelessly to Apple TV using AirPlay. Apple TV only outputs HDMI. Your projector might not have HDMI input. If that’s the case, you’ll need an HDMI to VGA adapter like the Kanex ATVPRO. Read more about Apple TV in classrooms.

If you already have a computer connected to your projector, you should look into using software to turn that Mac or Windows PC into an AirPlay receiver. You can download and try for free AirServer, Annotate Mirror Client, iTools, Mirroring360, Reflector 2, or X-Mirage. The software runs on your computer and allows devices to mirror iPad to the computer screen. Since the computer is connected to a projector, then the iPad shows on the projector. I’ve written lots more about both AirServer and Reflector.

In my visits to various schools, I’d say that Apple TV, AirServer, Reflector, and X-Mirage work about 50% of the time. That’s because AirPlay requires the device and the computer or Apple TV to be on the same network (unless you’re using the newest Apple TV and iOS 8). Often schools have different networks for mobile devices and for PCs so AirPlay won’t work. Also, AirPlay requires specific ports to be open on the network for Bonjour (and frequently they are not configured to be open).

Mirroring360 has a feature called Mirroring Assist. It can work without the need to open ports for Bonjour. That means Mirroring360 can work on your school’s network, even when other AirPlay solutions do not. Another feature of Mirroring Assist is the option to turn off the broadcasting of your computer on AirPlay. Instead, devices can be paired with your Mac or PC via a QR code. This is a very welcome feature in schools with long lists of computers under the AirPlay menu.

Even if your network allows for AirPlay connections, it also needs to be reliable. Many teachers experience slow and dropped AirPlay connections, which can make mirroring a frustrating experience. It’s a good thing there are free trials of each of the software mirroring solutions so you can test your school’s setup before purchasing.

If your Wi-Fi network won’t cooperate with AirPlay, you should check out iTools. It’s free software for Windows PCs that will mirror to a computer using your device’s charge/sync cable. iTools Live Desktop feature is buggy and might not work on your computer, and there is no help documentation.

After upgrading to to OS X 10.10 Yosemite, Mac users can mirror their iPad’s screen using a Lightning cable. iPad will show up as a camera source in QuickTime.

DocCam.001-001.jpg

When you mirror your screen, it’s a great opportunity to use your iPad as a document camera! You’ll want to buy or rig up some sort of stand to use iPad as a visualizer. I wrote about the Justand v2 and other options in this post, including apps that let you draw and annotate over the image.

I maintain a chart that compares the methods of displaying iPad’s screen on a projector. Click the image below to download the PDF.

*article courtesy of Learning Hand with Tony Vincent*

Ralph Lauren Creates Holographic and Interactive Touch Screen Windows

Ralph Lauren Creates Holographic and Interactive Touch Screen Windows

Ralph Lauren is launching its first holographic and interactive touch screen window display to celebrate the release of its new Polo Sport line. The new technologically-advanced display is in-line with the brand’s new smart shirt, which is releasing as part of the Polo Sport line.

The display will show five different vignettes that represent Polo Sport’s core qualities of strength, speed, movement, and style. It will also use motion-sensing infrared cameras to watch passerby and replicate their movements on the screen. There will also be interactive touch screen elements involved.

“Ralph Lauren has been on the cutting edge of fashion and technology for over a decade and continues to reimagine shopping using unparalleled technology that transcends retail,” Ralph Lauren’s vice president of global advertising, marketing, and corporate communications David Lauren said. In the past, Ralph Lauren has put on a 4D runway show at NYFW and let customers customize a T-shirt using an interactive window display.

Want to implement holographic and/or interactive touch screen technologies in your school or business? Contact us today for more.

Interactive Projectors Changing Classrooms

Interactive Projectors Changing Classrooms

A requirement for upgraded AV capabilities saw Christchurch New-Zealand-based St Margaret’s College turn to imaging solutions specialists Epson, with the Epson EB-485Wi and EB-585Wi interactive ultra-short throw projectors chosen to be utilised acrossed the school.

Blake Richardson, technical systems manager at St Margaret’s College, says the school required upgrades for two main reasons.

“Due to the Canterbury earthquakes, we lost over 80% of our buildings and secondly the projectors we had were a mix of new and old from various manufacturers,” Richardson explains.

Richardson and his team evaluated all the current projectors on the market that would meet St Margaret’s high standards.

“After the earthquakes a new campus plan was drawn up which included three new classroom blocks and the renovation of a fourth block,” he says. “Our requirements meant that the projectors all be the same brand, of particularly high quality and that they fully met the purpose for which they would be used.”

St Margaret’s College uses projectors in every one of their learning spaces, so a bright and clear image was essential, Richardson says.

The EB-485Wi and EB-585Wi are reliable interactive projectors packed with innovative interactive features.

“We were particularly impressed with the high quality of the image and the low cost of replacement lamps for both EB-485Wi and the EB-585Wi projectors. We also really liked the fact that these projectors allowed us to do away with our Interactive White boards and give each classroom the same features.”

 

 

“We use the EB-485Wi and the EB-585Wi ultra-short throw projectors in all of our learning spaces and these provide a nice bright and clear image,” Richardson says. “Our large boarders dining room has an Epson EB-X14 installed, which is used for internal and external events. We also have two Epson EB-G5750WU installation projectors attached to a HDMI matrix in our auditorium and an Epson EB-G6250W which projects onto our large cyclorama screen. “

He adds, “We are very happy with all of the Epson projectors we have chosen and feedback from our staff and students is very positive.

 

 

“Our new EB-485Wi and the EB-585Wi ultra-short throw projectors work very well in the classroom and are a massive improvement from our older projectors.”

The EB-595Wi projector is Epson’s flagship interactive projector model, and is the world’s first 3LCD, finger touch-enabled interactive projector, ideal for the classroom environment. Epson are also the leaders of interactive projectors in the market.

 

 

The EB-595Wi boasts better brightness, up to 3,300 lumens allowing the screen to be easily viewed from anywhere in a classroom without dimming lights, increased contrast ratio (now 10,000:1) and longer lamp life (up to 6,000 hours in ECO mode), giving better cost efficiencies and savings.

The EB-595Wi offers digital connectivity including two HDMI ports with one port supporting MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) for mirroring connectivity with Android mobile devices.

There is also wireless projection when used with an optional LAN card (using peer to peer wireless and Epson’s EasyMP Network Projection software) and projector control using multi-PC projection software with a Moderator function, which enables up to 50 devices to connect to the projector and the managing and controlling of up to four images displayed on the screen. In terms of audio there is a 16W built-in speaker with enough audio power to fill most classrooms and advanced networking capabilities for when users need to monitor, control and present from a remote location. There is no driver installation required for PCs.

The EB-595Wi projectors take Epson’s ultra-short throw interactive projectors range up a further notch with not only finger touch-enabled interactivity but also PC Interactivity. Epson’s latest and enhanced PC interactive software Easy Interactive Tools provides an intuitive user interface and enhanced interactive features.

 

 

The interactive EB-595Wi offers dual pen interactivity enabling teacher and student to annotate at the same time. The smaller pen that comes with selectable function side button and a new on-screen projector control tool bar that allows users to power OFF, switch sources, zoom in and out and turn the volume up and down.

All Epson projectors, including both the EB-485Wi and EB-585Wi projectors are based on superior 3-chip LCD technology, giving vibrant realistic colours, high quality detail and solid reliability.

Epson projectors also 3LCD engines that have no colour wheel with a white segment which, in practical terms, means Epson projectors have up to 3x brighter colours than their leading competitive 1-chip DLP projectors

Inside Active Learning Classrooms

Video caption: The new Science Teaching and Student Services building at the University of Minnesota will have 10 Active Learning Classrooms. Active Learning Classrooms allow for students to experience a more interactive and conversational educational environment. With round tables for discussion and high-tech accessories for interactivity, these classrooms will service more than 125 class sections this fall.

Technology in Education: A Future Classroom

We’ve all come to learn how impactful technology is on the classroom. Often, when teachers are willing to make the transition, students can develop engaging and responsive habits from learning with technologies.

 

The above video expresses the imagination of its content creator, pointing to a classroom of the future. And believe it or not, this fictitious environment is really not all that far away as you may think!

Neiman Marcus tries on digital signage MemoryMirror

Neiman Marcus tries on digital signage MemoryMirror

Luxury fashion retailer Neiman Marcus has started rolling out its MemoryMirror by MemoMi — a digital signage mirror that lets shoppers look at themselves in different outfits and compare looks.

The first deployment was in the retailer’s Walnut Creek, California, location, and more deployments are scheduled for San Francisco and Dallas stores.

According to the company, the MemoryMirror captures images and video of everything shoppers try on, allowing customers to see outfits side by side as well as a 360-degree view. The images can be shared via email and social media, or with a sales associate for future recommendations.

MemoMi and The Neiman Marcus Innovation Lab (dubbed the iLab) worked together for several months to develop a product that was unique to Neiman Marcus, according to the companies. Significant research was done on user behavior and developing the interfaces to create the best overall experience. A special sales associate interface was added to allow associates to send personalized recommendations to customers directly from the Mirror.

“Superior customer service starts with a great overall experience. The Memory Mirror allows our customers to capture a variety of still and video images that can be shared with friends and allow the customer to see how an outfit looks front and back and while moving,” Neiman Marcus Group CMO Wanda Gierhart said. “The initial introduction resulted in an immediate and positive reaction, and we’re looking forward to delivering this unique experience to more customers as we roll it out into additional stores.”

 

8 Things to Look for in Today’s Classroom

8 Things to Look for in Today’s Classroom

The integration of technology in education can often offer a strenuous challenge for some adopters. The above graphic illustration outlines 8 things to look for in today’s classroom, paying close attention to the impact that various technologies have on classroom learning.

Technology should serve as a tool for better education, not replace the human interaction

Technology should serve as a tool for better education, not replace the human interaction

New technology should serve as a tool for a better education, though the human being should always remain at the center, visiting Bavarian Education Minister Ludwig Spaenle said on Monday.

Technology should act as a “servant or tool at the heart of the education process,” Spaenle said, speaking during a panel discussion on the “Technological Revolution in Higher Education” at the Herzliya Conference In future, higher education will depend on one’s ability to sift through the “worldwide ocean of knowledge and choose the way,” he added.

The session focused on how the education system will evolve to incorporate technology. A short film was screened ahead of the discussion depicting “the future classroom,” in which students’ desks are interactive 3D computers and smartphones are used as basic learning tools.

Dr. Ayelet Ben-Ezer, vice president for student affairs at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya and panel chairwoman, said Generation Y, born after 1980, was the most educated age group, immersed in technology, though at the same time also narcissistic and facing higher rates of unemployment than any prior generation.

Today, students take a more practical approach to academia, abandoning the humanities and trying to pursue applied degrees that will provide financial stability, Ben-Ezer added.

Prof. David Passig of Bar-llan University, a futurist and a member of the Israel National Council for Research and Development at the Science, Technology and Space Ministry, said the newest trend in higher education was “anti-disciplinary study,” in which students study contrasting subjects such as philosophy and computer science, as opposed to the multi-disciplinary study of similar fields such as economics, business administration and accounting.

According to Passig, an ideal future would include a mandatory bachelor’s degree, or to a lesser extent a first year of study, in the humanities, with students pursuing high-demand scientific fields in the following years.

Meir Brand, managing director of Google Israel for Greece and sub-Saharan Africa, agreed, saying that today, industry is much more interested in the “tools and abilities” of students, rather than the “content of their studies.” His ideal future would include the study of both humanities and STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – subjects.

However, Gila Ben-Har, CEO of the Center for Educational Technology, said that despite the need for science and technology education, there are very few teachers with the expertise to teach these subjects, fewer students studying science and math, with even fewer pursuing a teaching degree in these areas.

According to Ben-Har, the future virtual classroom should enable the best educators to teach a variety of subjects, including STEM to students via the use of advancing technology.

The panel addressed the rising costs of higher education, especially in the United States where the average tuition per year stands at some $42,000.

Shai Reshef, founder and president of the University of the People, the world’s first accredited, tuition-free online university, said “frontal learning” was a privilege that is afforded to few, but the virtual classroom provides access to education for those who would otherwise be unable to afford it.

According to Reshef, the University of the People serves as a possible model for future education, with students from around the world using technology to study together via the virtual classroom and pursue higher education degrees.

The panel questioned whether the inevitable incorporation of technology would replace human interaction.

Ben-Har said technology should serve to “complement studies and not replace the personal touch.” Rather, she said, universities need to evolve to incorporate small classrooms and lecture halls, as well as virtual classrooms and computer laboratories.

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