Possibilities for Chromecast in the Classroom

1. Possibilities for Chromecast in the Classroom
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2. Google Apps for Education provides teachers with the tools they need to apply a collaborative social and multimedia experience
for significant learning advancement. Google Chromecast is a device that amplifies these endeavors through the use of a live
streaming, wireless display.
What is Google Chromecast?
● It’s a small HDMI device that you plug directly into the back of your TV or class projector.
● It wirelessly streams content from various “cast devices” to the display via the Chrome Browser, YouTube, or various
supported apps.
● It has the ability to both stream content directly from the internet or locally from the cast devices.
● This is different from screen mirroring, in that it does not simply display what is on your screen. It displays only what you
want it to.
● There is no user interface, for example. The app or browser you want to display becomes the remote control. The great
thing about this device, is the ability to use it across platforms. This means that it will stream media from almost any mobile
device including android tablets, laptops, PCs and smartphone:, to iPhones or iPads and Chromebooks.
● Average retail price is $35 USD; making them very affordable for classroom use.
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3. Possibilities for Google Chromecast in the classroom
The key to classroom success is collaboration. To maximize the efficiency of Google’s Chromecast, teachers and students alike
are able to collaborate openly, and wirelessly. An entire class being connected to the display allows for instantaneous
contributions to class discussions, sharing sources, presentations, demonstrations, and much more. Let’s look at a few examples
of how Chromecast can be used in the classroom:
1. Sharing and Discussing Resources
2. Faster Presentations
3. Video Demonstrations
4. Educational Movies
5. Google Cast Software Developers Kit
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4. 1) Sharing and Discussing Resources
● In the event of source finding for a report or class presentation, students will be asked to find related information
regarding the project online.
● While the teacher walks the aisles, supervising student’s resources they have gathered, they may choose a
preferable source and have the student stream it to the class display while the teacher explains why this
particular resource is preferred.
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5. 2) Faster Presentations
● Many subjects involve presentations or discussions in front of the class. In this situation, each student may
display a visual aid, a slide show, or the actual paper or resources on the display as they give their presentation,
present their findings, or illustrate their work.
● There are no wires to plug into, so the time to set up and begin presenting is drastically reduced.
● Each student could cast their presentation from their Chromebook to the display when it is their turn to present.
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6. 3) Video Demonstrations
● Demonstrations are another way that Chromecast can be used in the classroom.
● Youtube, for example, has a library of educational videos in almost every subject or curriculum.
● While explaining a science experiment, discussing mathematical equations and the various solutions, discussing
results or outcomes, the teacher may display a video which demonstrates the processes as they move freely
around the room answering questions, or providing a detailed explanation.
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7. 4) Educational Movies
● Movies as part of a discussion, observation, or class activity can now be displayed through the Chromecast from
a teachers android smartphone, iPhone, tablet or PC.
● This wireless streaming option allows educators the freedom and convenience of showing educational films to
their class while moving about the room freely, and without the use of extra equipment.
● No hassle of obtaining, transporting, or connecting VCRs, DVD or Blu-ray players.
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8. 5) Google Cast Software Developers Kit
● Google has also released the Google Cast software
developers kit (SDK) to the public. What this means
for educators, is an influx of new apps which will
support Chromecast.
● This increases the viability of Chromecast as an
educational tool, as it opens the doors for the
device to be used in new and exciting ways.
● These apps will further provide more functions and
platforms in which Chromecast can be used. If you
are a developer we highly suggest exploring the
Google Cast SDK as there are great opportunities
in the education space to increase the usage of
Chromecast in the classroom.
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9. Improvements for Chromecast in the classroom
● There are a few areas where Chromecast could be improved for use in the classroom, one area is security. Due to
their open nature, having these devices on your school’s WiFi system may open them up to abuse (such as a student
from another class casting to a device they are not supposed to).
● It may make sense to have a separately secured WiFi system for your Chromecast and cast devices, where you can
limit who has the ability to cast.
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Chromecast: How to cast using YouTube

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