TV Talk

Thanks to a donation from the Class of 1954, we were able to make a few technology updates in the Mepham Library. Firstly, we were able to replace the 6 iPads from the iPad Reference Bar. Next, we purchased two 55" Samsung LED 4K televisions to hang in the library. These TVs will display a library slideshow and will also broadcast our morning announcements and other special installments from Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting.

This project was set in motion before Covid-19 (in fact the televisions arrived on Friday, March 14, 2020 - our last day of in-person school for the rest of that year. Safe to say, it has taken a while to get this project off the ground! 

iPad Reference Bar

Thanks to a generous donation from the Class of 1954 (read all about it here), the school library was able to purchase 6 iPad Airs along with MacLocks rotating and tilting iPad enclosures. We have just unveiled Mepham's iPad Reference Bar. Each iPad is engraved, "Gifted to Mepham High School by the Class of 1954."

Brand-spanking new iPad Reference Bar

Students checking out our new iPads

The purpose of these iPads are to check email, use Google apps for Education, check the weather, look up a word in the online dictionary, quick calculations, and so many other applications. They best part... They are just for you!

Landscape View

Splashtop

Splashtop allows you to display your computer screen (PC or Mac) onto any mobile device and use it as a slate. Splashtop is a paid app for your mobile device, and also must be downloaded on to your computer.

From the comfort of your mobile device, you can:

• View and edit files remotely (no transferring or syncing)
• Use your favorite Windows and Mac apps and programs
• Give presentations with full audio and video that engage your audience
• Play graphic-intensive games from your iPad or other devices
• Watch HD movies/TV shows/Flash videos up to 30 frames p/sec with low latency
• Stream your music collection from another computer

Reasons to use it: 

1. Easy-to-use interface
2. Optimized for new hardware (Think: Retina display)
3. Supercharged network performance (3G/4G)  
4. Enhanced security
5. Support for multiple devices  

Over 15 million users are using Splashtop. It's worth a try!

Alternative to Apple TV?

“Have you ever wanted to see your iPhone or iPad on a larger screen? Play games, watch movies, demo apps or present to your computer from your iPhone or iPad?” During a recent training, the instructor wanted to mirror her iPad to the SMART Board and while the room we were in had wifi, we did not have Apple TV. She had an excellent alternative – Reflector. A relatively cheap app at just $12.99, Reflector “wirelessly receives and displays any device(s) that connect and mirror to it. Under the hood, Reflector works much like an Apple TV, so there's nothing to setup.” AirPlay mirroring is built in to the device, so there is nothing extra that you need to buy. A list of compatible devices can be found here. I've seen it in use and it works seamlessly in our classroom environment.  

Have you seen me in the library?

QR codes are coming to Mepham Library! On the left is an image of a QR code. SCAN IT with a QR code reader and see where it takes you!

So what is a QR code? QR is an abbreviation for quick response, and it is a new technology sweeping the world. Just ask Japan. You might already have seen the familiar black square popping up on billboards, magazine ads, websites, business cards and even t-shirts!

We are even using it here in your school library. On some of our books you will notice they have a QR code attached to the front cover. A QR code allows you to connect to, and gain information from the online world by scanning the black box image with your smart phone, iphone or ipad equipped with a QR code reader app. When you scan the QR code on one of our books, it will take you to a book trailer. This will help you with your decision when choosing a book. Stop by your school library and try out this new technology with our QR books on display.

Prepared and Written by Michele Rudzewick