By Joey Savoy

The recent emergence of mobile devices has provided educators with the opportunity to be more flexible with their classroom instruction. In particular, the iPad has generated a great deal of excitement as teachers can see endless possibilities for engaging students in their learning. With iPad proving to be a popular choice of technology amongst educators, they also serve as a perfect complement for a number of SMART products.

Similar to a classroom that might have only one laptop or computer, it would be difficult to share one iPad with an entire class. This issue can be easily solved by projecting iPad content onto a SMART Board interactive whiteboard so that the whole class can be involved in the learning that is taking place. There are several ways to connect an iPad to a SMART Board, such as through a VGA-iPad cable that connects to your projector or directly to your SMART Board interactive whiteboard.

If you would prefer to connect wirelessly to the SMART Board, some options include Bridgit conferencing software, Splashtop, and for Mac users Apple TV/Airplay. The Bridgit conferencing software app can be downloaded for free from the iTunes store. The app allows you to connect to the SMART Board interactive whiteboard and take over the computer that it is connected to so that you can control it from your iPad. It also allows multiple people to join the session and collaborate. We have successfully held a great number of Bridgit conferencing software sessions in my school district that have allowed us to work on collaborative initiatives with other classes throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

Splashtop is somewhat similar to Bridgit and can be downloaded from iTunes for a small fee. Lastly, Apple TV when configured with an HDMI cable will allow mirroring to take place so that you can share the contents of your iPad screen on the SMART Board interactive whiteboard.

Also nearing its release is the SMART Notebook app for iPad. This app will be a somewhat Lite version of SMART Notebook collaborative learning software and can be comparable to SMART Notebook Express web application. Although it does not have full Notebook Software functionality, it does contain many of the basic SMART features that will allow you to create, open, share, and manipulate Notebook documents. A feature of the app that I really like is the option to use the iPad camera to take photos and have them embed directly onto Notebook slides. It also allows you to control and organize all of your Notebook files in a customizable My Content section.

I look forward to sharing more information and content in regards to the connection between iPads and SMART products at the upcoming ISTE 2012 Conference being held in San Diego, California from June 25-27, 2012. Hope to see you there!

Attending ISTE 2012?

Are you attending ISTE 2012 in San Diego, CA later this month? If so, stop by the SMART Booth 3313 to say hello to us, and to chat with Joey Savoy about the significant impact SMART products and mobile devices, such as iPad, is having on student learning and teacher pedagogy.

Savoy will also be blogging about his presentation and sharing some of his experiences at the show. So those of you not able to attend can still keep up on what is happening at the SMART Booth.

Joey Savoy is a SMART Exemplary Educator and Technology Mentor with School District 16 in Miramichi. He is a SMART Certified Master Trainer and has presented on behalf of Miramichi and SMART Technologies at major educational conferences throughout North America. He has also provided training for schools in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Related reading

The Right Balance for Interactive Learning
iPad on Your Mind?
Connecting students to their community with SMART products
SMART Showcase Community continues to inspire
SMART Notebook app for iPad coming soon!
Enhancing participation with a SMART Board and the Bridgit app for iPad