So you have an Apple TV in your classroom, now what?

They magically appeared over night.  A mysterious little black box with a tiny shiny silver remote.

It's an Apple TV! Hurrah!  Wait, what do you do with it? How do you use it with your MacBook? Can kids use it?  So many questions!

Why should I use an Apple TV instead of connecting directly to the projector?

Check out this blog from "Educate 1-to-1"

1. You are the front of the room

2. Improved pedagogy

3. Instant Feedback

4. More dialogue

5. Improved motivation

What does an Apple TV do?
The short answer is that the Apple TV allows you to show anything that is on your MacBook computer, iPad, or iPhone on your projector screen (or even SMART Board!) without plugging in any cables to your device.  Your device has to be on the same wireless network as the Apple TV in order to work (your school network) and you have to be using an Apple branded device in order to connect - sorry Android fans!

How do I use an Apple TV with my computer?

1. Click the AirPlay icon  AirPlay icon in the menu bar, then choose your Apple TV under "Connect To AirPlay Display." The icon turns blue when your Mac is using an AirPlay display.
2. From the same AirPlay menu, choose either Extended Desktop or one of the mirroring options under "Use AirPlay Display To." 
3. To stop using your Apple TV as an AirPlay display, choose Disconnect AirPlay Display from the AirPlay menu. Or just press the Menu button on the Apple TV remote.

Check out this Help page from Apple

How do I use an Apple TV with my iPad or iPhone?

1. Connect your iOS device and your AirPlay device to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On your iOS device, swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open Control Center.
3. Tap AirPlay.

Check out this Help page from Apple

Great.  I'm connected.  Now what?

Here are some great suggestions from  "Inside the Classroom, Outside the Box"

1. Simple be untethered – freedom to move around.

2. Demonstrate apps or sites

3. Display pictures of student/teacher work

4. If you have more iPads in the room, students can share their screen on the Apple TV

5. Students/Teacher can present/share from anywhere in the room.

6. Annotate documents live with your students

7. Using iBooks and highlighting sections/words for discussion

8. Display Apps so all students can see on a big screen (Ex. ShowMe, Virtual Field Trip Apps etc)

So, give Apple TV a try.  Want more help? Email Erin Conrad, STEM CT!