AppleTV + iPad = Successful Teaching

I am in my 3rd year as a History teacher. History is notorious for its boring lectures, videos, and textbook reading. While I agree that there needs to be lecturing in a history class I believe that there are more efficient ways to lecture. One of the best ways that I have found is using your iPad in connection with the AppleTV. Many teachers use a lightning or 30 pin to VGA connector to display their iPad through their projector. This works just fine but it ties you down to a single location. The AppleTV allows you to move around your classroom at free will. Using your iPad not only allows you to present your Keynote (or even PowerPoint) Presentations but you can show videos from YouTube or other sources on the internet. If you use Apple's Keynote you have the option to draw on your presentations and use a laser pointer to help direct students attention to specific information or aspects of an image. The iPad plus the AppleTV allows you to convert your ordinary projector and screen into a very useful smart board. If you have a projector that has a HDMI connector your set up will be extremely easy. If your projector has not been replaced in the last couple of years you will need an adapter. The Kanex VGA to HDMI is the best option I have found since it also give you the option to run audio. Here is the link to the adapter on Amazon: Kanex VGA to HDMI

AppleTV:
The best option for an AppleTV is through Apple. I recommend to but a refurbished product. The nice thing about refurbished from Apple is that they cover it with the same warranty they cover their new products with. A new AppleTV is $99 but you can get it refurbished here for $75. Refurbished AppleTV

Bring your classroom up to date with the 21st century and have the power to control your presentations from the palm of your hand.