Technology Tip Tuesday: December 10, 2013

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: AirServer

 

To review this resource, I will give it the "FRAGALE 5."

1. What? (A brief overview of what the resource does)

According to the website, AirServer is an AirPlay receiver for Mac and PC. It allows you to receive AirPlay feeds, similar to an Apple TV, so you can stream content or Mirror your display from your iOS devices or Macs running Mountain Lion or Mavericks. In regards to the classroom, AirServer allows teachers to show content and to the class and engage students using an iPad. With AirServer you can wirelessly beam your iPad display to your Mac or PC and from there to your projector or interactive whiteboard. This gives you the freedom to move around the class with your iPad in hand. * AirServer also supports multiple simultaneous connections, so one or more students could mirror their iPads to share their ideas and their work with the rest of the class.

2. Who? (Audience, which grade levels can really benefit from this resource?)

All grade levels can benefit from using AirServer. If you use the iPad in that subject area, you will LOVE AirServer. This could be anything as basic as a game to a higher order thinking “product creation” app like Educreations or VoiceThread.

3. Where? (In what learning context would this resource be relevant?)

This resource would really work in any learning context. AirServer could display a math problem solving app during one part of your day. Later, AirServer can allow the teacher to move around the classroom while displaying a dramatic presentation of a text in reading. Furthermore, AirServer gives teachers the ability to FaceTime and Skype using the projector, thus involving the entire classroom and allowing them to actively participate.

4. Why? (How can this REALLY help me?)

AirServer gives teachers the freedom to move around the room (manage behavior!) while manipulating the interactive whiteboard. In this regards, the iPad becomes like a slate giving the classroom projector access to all of the wonderful tools that you can use on the iPad.

5. How? (Basic instructions)

 

You can find a starter guide for AirServer here. I will be activating every class’s AirServer account if I haven’t already done so. During this time,  I will also give you a tutorial. If I have not already done so, please schedule a meeting with me at your convenience - simply fill out a Technology Coach Request form on my website (https://sites.google.com/site/reestechcenter/teacher-technology-center-requests).

In closing, I will leave you with a video that gives a brief introduction to AirServer. Enjoy, and have a great week J