In case you missed it, Apple (finally) unleashed a new iOS update that could change the way you run your classroom. Along with many other snazzy features like AirPrint (print wirelessly from your iPhone or iPad!) and multitasking (for iPad!), there is a new feature that’s going to make media in the classroom a lot more fun.
It’s called AirPlay and lets you wirelessly stream media from your iPad or iPhone onto an AirPlay-enabled TV (or projector). With just a little bit of know-how and another little bit of money, you can transform your classroom into a user-based media spectacular. OK, that’s a bit of an exaggeration but it’s pretty cool.
How AirPlay Works
At its most simple, AirPlay streams music from one Apple device to another. Extending the potential of its predecessor AirTunes, AirPlay will also stream video, photos, and metadata.
In short, connect your iPhone to your Apple TV and you can watch movies from your iPhone on your television. Connect your iPad to your stereo and play Pandora on your nice speakers. Load photos from your iPod Touch to an AirPlay-compatible digital photo frame.
How To Use AirPlay In School
- By using AirPlay, you can display what a student is working on with their iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. This means you a teacher can take turns showing how each student (or group of students) is tackling a particular puzzle or question on an app or something else.
- Presentations can be made using Apple’s Keynote, opened on an iPhone or iPad, and then presented both on that particular device as well as on a projector screen.
How To Use AirPlay Out of School
- Use the newly updated Apple TV (with the latest firmware update) to display media from your iPad on your TV at home. This is perfect for picture, video, and / or audio presentations.
- Want to show your friends your vacation photos? As long as you’re on their Wi-Fi network, you should be able to throw them up on their HDTV via Apple TV. (Or directly to the TV, once someone makes an AirPlay-licensed HDTV.)
- Want to watch an episode of Mad Men you just rented again at your girlfriend’s house? Hit play on your iPhone and send it the digital photo frame that sits on her desk while you play Angry Birds.
- Or maybe it’s a party, the host’s music sucks, and you want to play your own mix on their speakers. Should be easy.
This is Apple’s attempt at grabbing a hold of the relatively untapped ‘Smart TV’ market. Just like Google TV, they’re making a huge push to win your eyeballs’ attention in the family room.
What do you think? Would you use AirPlay if you had the money? What if money were no object?
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