University at Buffalo (UB)
"Bring your own device" adapters arrive in UB classrooms
Published January 26, 2017 This content is archived.
Instructors: thanks to our new "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) adapters, it's easier than ever to connect your personal devices to classroom teaching stations.
The BYOD adapter ring
The "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) adapter ring is available at most UB teaching stations in centrally scheduled classrooms in advance of the Spring 2017 semester. The ring features eight different adapters, designed to accommodate a wide array of laptops, as well as iPhones and iPads, GoPros, Surface Tablets, Windows Phones and more.
Previously, these teaching stations featured only HDMI and VGA cables. After discussions with faculty, it became clear that providing a variety of adapters would allow instructors to more easily connect their personal devices.
Personalized support
UB instructors can call the UBIT Help Center at 716-645-3542 to schedule a one-on-one demonstration of how to connect a device for projecting video and audio in the classroom, as well as for any additional technical support needed.
What to look for
iPad is among the devices compatible with the BYOD Adapter Ring
When connecting a device to a teaching station, locate and connect the adapter that fits your device—only one of the adapters will fit your device, so trying to force an adapter that doesn’t fit may damage your device.
Not every device will work with the adapter ring, because each device and app handles connecting to an external display differently. The majority of Android devices, for example, do not currently work with the adapter ring because Android favors wireless "casting" technology, instead of allowing devices to project from a wired connection.
Occasionally, there are additional settings that need to be enabled on your device before you can project video. For this reason, it’s best to test your device with the teaching station in advance of class. If you followed the steps in the step-by-step instructions but the projection isn’t displaying, contact the UBIT Help Center or search for instructions for your specific device.
For example, with Mac laptops you may need to go to System Preferences > Display > Detect Displays > Arrangement, and make sure Mirror Displays is checked.
Lastly, the adapter ring isn’t able to charge devices connected to it—so make sure your devices are sufficiently charged before class.