Understanding how to connect your iPad to a projector or computer is an integral part of using your iPad in the classroom.

Once connected, you may also have the ability control your computer like a virtual mouse. Teachers love this because it frees them from standing at the front of their room in order to touch their interactive whiteboard or operate their computer.

If you are trying to display the image of your iPad to your class, you should be aware of the best options available. (All from our latest eBook Top iPad Apps for 2013)

1. Wired

The easiest way to display image to students is to simply plug the iPad into a projector using an adapter that connects the iPad to a VGA, HDMI, or other projector input. This method is so easy because it only requires the adaptor and no other IT support. This allows you to display an image onto a large screen, interactive whiteboard or any other display. This leaves the teacher tethered to the projector without the ability to walk around the classroom with the iPad. A common question is, “If my iPad is projected onto my SMART Board or IWB, will I be able the touch it to control my iPad?” This method only connects the iPad to the projector, you will not be able to touch the interactive whiteboard to control it.

2. Wireless

Teachers like the ability to move around their classroom while displaying their iPad to students at the front of the room. The iPad’s AirPlay feature allows you to wirelessly send the image on the iPad to a projector or computer. This gives them the ability to be close to students needing help without having to run back to their iPad to interact with it. The iPad is a mobile device, so teachers naturally want to be able to move around with it. Displaying student work also becomes easier. Instead of a student having to get out of their seat and connect to the adapter, they can simply AirPlay their iPad’s image to the front of the room without leaving their seat.

AirPlay requires a piece of hardware connected to a projector as well as some IT support from your school. Here are the most popular AirPlay options.

3. Apple TV

Apple TV is a small black box that connects to a projector or TV via an HDMI cable. The Apple TV module is placed on the school wired or wireless network that is the same network the iPad uses in the classroom. The iPad can then connect with the Apple TV and share its screen. Apple TV even has a passcode feature that requires the person trying to connect with the Apple TV to use a code before mirroring the display. This is a great feature to stop students from mirroring their iPad’s image whenever they want, allowing the teacher to control what is displayed to the class.

4. Reflector/AirServe

Both of these are software packages installed on your computer. They work like Apple TV. When the software is running, the iPad recognizes the AirPlay network and will show the image on your display. Both the iPad and the computer must be on the same network, and these solutions require some IT support. Each allows for a passcode to be required when attempting to mirror the iPad. One of the best features is the ability to record what is happening on the iPad and save a video file to the computer. This is a very powerful option when creating blended learning or flipped classroom videos for students.

5. Remote Desktop

Simply put, this means your iPad actually turns into your computer and gives you control over your computer, like using a remote control. The iPad’s screen will look like your computer’s screen, and you will be able to access all of the files and applications like you were sitting at your computer. This requires IT support and both apps running on your iPad and installed on your computer.

These connection options begin our latest eBook Top iPad Apps for 2013. If you haven’t done so already check out the rest the eBook for more info on how to use your iPad in the classroom. Click on the button below for the download.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL eBook: Top iPad Apps for 2013