Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Tech Tool of the Week: Reflection

This week's highlighted technology tool is an app called Reflection.  Reflection allows you to wirelessly mirror your iPad or iPhone to your Mac or PC.  This could be a great tool to use in class!  Imagine that you'd like to show your students something on your iPad or iPhone.  Once your computer is connected to your touchscreen monitor or projector, and the projector is turned on, open the Reflection app on your computer.  Then connect your iPad/iPhone to the computer using AirPlay.  Now everything you do on your iPad or iPhone will be displayed on the projector!

One nice feature of Reflection is that it allows a teacher to freely walk around the room with iPad in hand.  No more standing next to the wall hooked up to a projector cable!  Reflection creates a wireless AirPlay connection from the iPad to the projector.

Another possible use of Reflection is to have students share their iPad screens, demonstrations, presentations, artwork, music, etc.  Students can connect their iPad to your computer via AirPlay right from their seats!  (Please note that this only works with iPad 2 and 3, so the Lower School iPads are not compatible with Reflection.  For Lower School teachers who are interested in using Reflection with student iPads, please email IT Requests to reserve the Middle School iPads.)

If you are interested in trying Reflection, you can download a trial version that will allow you to try the app for ten minutes.  If you decide you would like a copy of this software for your computer, just contact IT and we will purchase a license for you. 

Below is a short video that contains a demo of the Reflection app: