Reflector 2 from AirSquirrels

First off, I try my best to maintain my roots as a classroom teacher and stay grounded. One way I do that is to look for as many free websites, tools, and resources as I can possibly find. I love sharing new tools and techniques to engage students in instruction and to make teaching be more alive. Every once in a great while a tool or resource comes along that breaks the "It must be free." rule, but is so awesome that it is worthy of sharing with teachers.  One such tool is Reflector 2 from AirSquirrels, http://www.airsquirrels.com/reflector/ . 

DISCLAIMER: Reflector 2 is a paid product that costs around $15.  I am not getting any compensation for this. I purchased this on my own and have been using it during the lessons I model with teachers.

What is does...
Add this to your computer (not your iPad or other tablet) to show your iPad's, Android tablet's, or other device's screen wirelessly through your WiFi network up to the TV or Projector.  You can even record what you do as a screen capture video to share with others, such as students and parents.

How to setup and use it after the break.


Here is how it works...

  Download and Install

1. Download the program to your computer by following this link, http://www.airsquirrels.com/reflector/download/ . There is a 7-day free trial available.
2. Install the program.
3. Launch Reflector 2. The first time it opens there will be a screen asking for a license key.  If you have purchased it, the click this button and enter it. If you are using the free trial, click to continue with free trial.

  Using It

1. There will be a window that pops-up called "Connecting to Reflector 2".  Mostly I just click the DONE button to make it go away.
2. Connect your device.
• On an iPad, iPhone, or iPad...
1. Make sure it is connected to the same WiFi network.
2. Pull up from the bottom of the screen to show the controls. 
   
   
3. Tap "AirPlay". Your computer's name should show.
4. Tap your computer's name, then slide "Mirroring" switch to green. It will connect but may take a couple of seconds.  
• As you rotate your iPad, the screen mirrored to the computer will re-orient to match. 
• On a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air that is not your own, such as a student computer...

1. Make sure it is connected to the same WiFi network.
2. Look in the top menubar for the AirPlay symbol. (Pictured at the right.)
3. Find your computer's name. 
4. Select it and after a few seconds.  The other screen will be wirelessly shared through your computer's connection to the TV or projector.

• On an Android Device...
1. Make sure it is connected to the same WiFi network.
2. You will need the ChromeCast app from the GooglePlay store.
3. When the ChromeCast app launches, it will scan for any Chromecast devices, such as your computer using Reflector 2.
4. Once it sees your computer is available, tap the menu button on your Android device's screen.
5. Choose "Cast Screen" to begin mirro.
6. On the next screen, choose "Cast Screen" and then your computer's name. There will be a short delay while it mirrors your Android screen to your computer.