Wormbog

While evaluating different interactive white board products I was also considering the iPad for different applications in the classroom.  When I started working with the slate based products I liked the idea of being mobile in the classroom but struggled with having to look at the projected image while drawing on the slate.  It was very difficult for me to find my cursor and location on the screen.

I set the slate down and picked up my iPad to write down some of my thoughts and immediately thought the iPad would make a great slate product.  Being touch based and having a real display would solve the issues I was having with the other slate products.  I did not want to have to connect the iPad to a VGA cable and be tethered to the front of the room so I looked for a VNC application that would allow the iPad to control my MacBook Pro.  I downloaded the RealVNC VNC Viewer app ($9.99).  Because I was on a Mac I was able to use the built in screen sharing app after enabling screen sharing inside of sharing in system preferences.  For Windows machines I download the free RealVNC Server to make the connection.  After setting up the host computer and verifying that VNC was running, I made the connection by entering the host name or IP address and password in the VNC Viewer app on the iPad.

The VNC Viewer app behaves like VNC or Remote Desktop on a computer giving an image of your computer screen and full control of the keyboard and mouse functions.  The biggest issue I ran into was remembering that my touch was controlling the cursor on the computer just like I would use a trackpad on a laptop.  So, if my cursor is in the upper right corner of the screen and I want to click on a hyperlink in the lower left I can not just touch the hyperlink.  I have to use the touch screen like a trackpad to move the cursor of the the hyperlink and then double tap to follow the link.  This took a little getting used to but after using it for a few minutes I began to like it.  Another challenge is with multiple screens.  If you have your computer setup in a dual display configuration the VNC Viewer on the iPad will move between the displays as you drag the cursor.  It is actually a very slick implementation but it makes it harder to control from the iPad.  A final issue is writing on the iPad.  Because you are controlling the cursor and not interacting directly with the touch interface it is difficult to write.  It is usable for quick notes or for highlighting text but not for heavy writing or drawing.

I have used this setup in the classroom and it has really freed me from my computer and the front of the room.  I appreciate being able to keep my focus on the class and still see what they are seeing from the projector.  It has also been very helpful to be able to jump online and have full use of my computer without having to go back the desk.  I am confident that the iPad with a VNC connection to a computer will help teachers to be more mobile.  It will give them Smart Podium type interactivity for a fraction of the cost and with increased mobility.