Google has been changing the dimensions of technology ever since it has come into being.
The Google Cast protocol lets you stream content from a smartphone, tablet, or computer to a TV. Now this extension, Google Cast for Education is an education version of the same. This extension is another star on the Google board. With Google Cast for Education user can now share one’s computer screen from one chrome browser to another. It’s a Chrome web app that lets students and teachers beam content to a central display to share their work with the whole class. Cast for Education allows you to turn your computer into a wireless projector for screen sharing from another device. Just install the app, give your device a name, and invite your students to cast.
Usability:
Google Cast for Education is a free Chrome app that allows students and teachers to share their screens wirelessly from anywhere in the classroom. Cast for Education carries video and audio across complex school networks, has built-in controls for teachers, and works seamlessly with Google Classroom. The Cast for Education app runs on the teacher’s computer that’s connected to the classroom projector, and it does not require new hardware. Teachers receive casts through the Cast for Education app, and students share their screens using the upcoming version of the Cast feature in Chrome.
How it Works:
Cast for Education requires a Google Apps for Education account. Afterwards teachers can download this app to set up their device for wireless screen sharing. Students also have to download the Google Cast extension. The teacher invites students he or she chooses to participate in screen sharing through Google Classroom. Any student on the roster is automatically eligible to use Cast. Adding students is a matter of setting preferences, which can be adjusted for the entire class or on an individual basis.
Pricing and Compatibility:
Free of cost but it’s designed for use with Google Apps for Education, so you won’t be able to do much with it unless you’ve got an Education account. You will need to be on Chrome version 52 or above.
Teachers like Mr. Coleman and his colleague Tony Koumaros pilot Cast for Education in their classrooms. Mr. Koumaros knew his students would be excited to share their work with the rest of the class, but he was surprised to discover that they were eager to share even when they didn’t know all of the answers. “Casting makes it fun to ask for help,” he said. “My students enjoyed working through challenges together.”
Erin Turnbach, a 2nd grade teacher who piloted Cast for Education at Tom’s River Regional School District in New Jersey, found herself “co-teaching with a 2nd grader” during a lesson on animals. When the class got stuck during research time, Ms. Turnbach was able to work one-on-one with a student while another casted to the rest of the class. “We’re always trying to encourage teamwork,” Ms Turnbach says. “The end product is stronger when you collaborate and build off each other’s ideas. With Cast for Education, everyone engages and the students take ownership of their learning.”
“It’s hard to imagine not using it now that we have it”, Mr. Coleman says. “Sharing student screens was a big need for us, and now Cast for Education is our daily classroom tool.”
Video/Tutorials:
Do share your experience with us in the comment section below.
