THIS is a BIG deal...iOS 5 and Apple TV

http://www.apple.com/appletv/

I often get excited about a lot of things, especially as it relates to technology.  I think, in this case, what I'm about to tell you is a game changer.  I know, I know...these days there are many "game changers" but for teachers and students, it just got better.

This week iOS 5 came out.  What's iOS 5?  The latest update for your Apple devices like the iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone.  The update has many features worth checking out, but one of the biggest and maybe least spoken or tweeted about is how Apple TV now works with all of those devices.

Apple TV is a $99.00 little box that will need to be hooked up to a flat screen OR projector (with HDMI).  The key here is the HDMI.  So in my picture, I have the Apple TV device plugged into the flat screen (via HDMI).

Alright.  Are you with me so far?  The Apple TV is on the same wireless network as my iPad.  I now have the ability to completely mirror my iPad to the flat screen using AirPlay.

So?  Well now the teacher isn't tethered to his/her desk.  The teacher can walk around the room carrying the device, manipulating apps, handing the iPad to a student, making it interactive...just like an interactive white board would, all the while every student can see what's happening.

Oh, but wait.  There's more.

What if each student in the classroom has a device?  Then the teacher asks a question, the students search for the answer and then share it but sending it through the Apple TV...projecting their answer for all to see?!  Any device that's running iOS 5 can be mirrored.

I tell you what...this iOS 5 update paired with Apple TV makes these devices even better.  

It JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!

Thoughts About iPad 2

I watched the news come out today about the iPad 2.  So, to jump right to it, here's what I took from it that's most meaningful for educators.

1.  Two cameras:  This means creativity.  Students will be able to take this device and create, edit and share a movie.  To add, virtual field trips or video conferencing are much easier now.  GarageBand will also be available...to expand on the creativity.

2.  AirPlay and Video Mirroring:  With video mirroring, whatever the teacher does, the students will be able to see...it's a VGA adapter so it will be plugged in.  So if the teacher is demonstrating an application, the students see what's happening.  Now if it's wireless that your after, AirPlay allows for wireless sharing of video, music, etc. with an HDTV.  So students could create and then send / share their project to the TV without plugging into anything.  I am unsure if AirPlay will allow apps to be shared / shown or not.  We'll see.

3.  The reports say that it's up to 9x faster, 33% thinner and 15 % lighter as well.  So that's good.  Many of us wouldn't mind being 9x faster, 33% thinner and 15% lighter.

I can't wait to see how the iPad 2 changes the teaching and learning process.

I can't wait...well, I'll have to until March 11th.  Now that's when we can order.  But when do they ship?  April?  May?  June?  I want to know!



http://www.apple.com/ipad/

iPad Reality for Many Adults

iPad Reality for Many Adults
Originally uploaded by Corey Dahl

This cartoon is true for many adults. The adult might struggle with whatever the technology related item might be...and the student is able to help, with ease.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/coreydahl/5388691363/

Have you ever heard the term "digital immigrant" or "digital native"? If not, well...if you are above, let's say, 25 years old, you might be a digital immigrant. You weren't born with all of these awesome technological advancements. You were around maybe when the VCR came out...or when a computer at home meant you had an ATARI. Get the picture.

The digital natives are kids that have grown up with cable, DVRs, internet, cell phones, iPods, iPads, social networking, text messages, etc. They are NATIVES to this world. They don't know it any other way. These natives don't think about using it or "how to use it"...they just do. Where we (the digital immigrants) have had to learn a new language.

Here's an example of something my second grade daughter and fourth grade son did the other day. They are natives of course. I walked into our living room where I have an Apple TV hooked up to my television. So they were able to change the input on the regular television, browse through the Apple TV, find Netflix, browse to their show, read about the episode, then play it. I knew how to do this, so I had them explain what they did. They explained it in a very "matter of fact" tone...like, it was easy. What's the big deal? Then when they were done with that show, they browsed the Apple TV, found my computer, picked a movie that I'd purchased and had in my iTunes...and began to watch. Digital Natives.

Here's another example: I was teaching some students and teachers how to use their iPod Touch, shoot and edit video, then upload it. I (the digital immigrant) was whining about the only two choices I have to export (wirelessly)...or at least I thought.  Those choices were: Email or Send to YouTube. I broke into my story about how I wish I could post this video to FaceBook.  How annoyed I was that I couldn't do this. About this time a digital native (student) said, "You can post it FaceBook." She quickly said, do this, this and this. Voila. She was right! I was very excited.

I work with technology every day...IT'S MY JOB. But on my passport or birth certificate it must say "Digital Immigrant"???  Right?!

The moral of the story. If you're really stuck, had your device to a "Native"...and have them show you how to do it!  But don't give up!  Keep trying.

Here's a YouTube video...an old Atari commercial.



The Today Show discusses the internet...from 1994.  They are immigrants!

A Techy Christmas...and a Happy New Year!

So how was your holiday break?  Great I hope!  Did Santa visit your house?  If so, what did he bring you? Any new "tech stuff" to play with or just puppies and pajamas?  Well, let me tell you about mine.

Apple TV...I'm loving it.  It's been around for awhile, but I was hesitant at first...but now that it's in round 2 and it's smaller, sleeker, and less expensive, I went for it.  I think it was $99.00.  Yes, I bought it for myself and told my wife that she bought it for me for Christmas.

whatis_gallery_slide120100901.jpg

So here's what it is.  It's a little box, you can hold it in the palm of your hand.  This little box can connect, wirelessly, to your computer.  I do have wireless in my house so you'll have to connect to your own wireless network.  Once you plug the Apple TV (box) into your tv, assuming you have a newer tv with and HDMI port...whatever movies, music, and pictures you have on your computer, you can now watch on your tv!  (I use iTunes for downloading music and movies.)

Here's an example:  I have downloaded Toy Story 3 on my computer, through iTunes.  So it's sitting on my computer, in iTunes.  Now with Apple TV, I can go upstairs to the tv with the Apple TV (box) plugged into the back and watch the movie on the large screen!

But wait, there's more!

Over the Christmas break, we also looked at the many pictures on my computer while sitting in the comfort of my living room.  The old way might have been standing or sitting around my small crowded home office...(not as fun).  So these "slideshows" we can now watch on our big screen can be manipulated to play music (from my Mac), change transitions, etc. etc.  Awesome!  While sitting and watching last year's pictures, I did realize that I need to clean up my pictures.  I many blurry and poor pics.  That's the beauty of digital cameras.  I can take hundreds of pictures and it doesn't cost me any more...but I do need to delete that poor ones.

But wait...there's even more!

I can also rent tv shows and movies!

But wait...there's EVEN MORE!

I can use this Apple TV to connect to NETFLIX and YouTube!


OK...I'll try and calm down, but it's difficult.


Educational Value:

Here's a PRICELESS educational spin for Apple TV.  It's called AirPlay.  Imagine this.  A student has an iPod Touch in their hands...the latest version, the iPod with two cameras.  The student has an assignment to explain, to the class, how to solve a math problem.  The student uses the iPod Touch to record him or herself solving the problem and explaining their thought process as they solve it.  Then quickly edit the movie, on the iPod Touch, then by using AirPlay, send it the tv right in the classroom.  All without connecting a cord, without burning a cd or emailing it.  The students and teacher watch the video in amazement.  They cheer when it's completed.  The student creator is proud and engaged!  Wow.

How would that differ that the typical..."Take out your books, do problems 1-45 and turn it in."  Then, a few days later, the teacher finally hands it back to you.  No cheering.  No clapping for your grade (like they would have clapped after your video).

I think this Apple TV has a TON of educational potential.  Sure, I love it for home...that's beside the point.  I use it at home but in the classroom, if I were still teaching, this would be a dream!

Tech Specs:  Oh by the way, you can do this from a PC as well.

Happy New Year!