5 ways to use your TV as a device for e-learning

Back in 2014, I asked, “If I have the choice of a 65-inch screen or a 9.7-inch iPad screen, why am I still looking at the mobile device when sitting on my lounge?” (read my article here: Use your smart TV for e-learning)

This question is even more relevant in the current coronavirus epidemic with families working and schooling from home. Smart and upsized TVs are becoming the ‘norm’ within households in Australia. The ability to connect to the home WiFi is what makes them ‘smart’ but the user often doesn’t maximise this benefit.

Here are 5 easy ways you can use your smart TV as an e-learning device:

  1. Smart TV apps – explore your existing range of smart TV apps to access teaching and learning videos to support homeschooling needs.
    1. Movie streaming apps like Stan, Netflix and Foxtel Now – all have educational and documentary movies and TV shows to choose from.
    2. YouTube – set up a playlist of educational videos for each subject and send this to your student group.
    3. Freeview – includes free to air TV shows you can catch up
    4. ABC iView – ABC TV Education has a range of teaching resources for both primary and secondary education and freely available supporting teaching resources: https://www.abc.net.au/tveducation/ )
  2. Most TV brands will now offer a smartphone app to use as a remote for your TV, and this will also play media content directly from your smartphone to the TV with minimal set-up. Playing your podcast using the surround sound of your TV will give it increased learning dimension as you are immersed in the experience.
  3. Use your TV as a second screen for your computer by accessing the display options under your settings. Teachers can monitor webinar discussions on one screen and present (share their desktop) on the other.
  4. Wirelessly screencast your mobile device to the TV. Log in to your learning management system, then cast your screen using your preferred third party device (Apple TV, Chromecast, FetchTV, Telstra TV, Android TV etc). Use a bluetooth keyboard for maximum flexibility.
  5. HDMI cable – this is the simplest way to connect your mobile device or computer to your TV, noting some products may also need an adapter, depending on the port used.

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