PLS Platform Tips

Welcome to the Positive Living Skills community! This guide is designed to help you as you present and facilitate the PLS platform with the children in your service.

Most services we work with either cast or mirror the platform onto a screen, smart TV or smart board. We'll explore the differences between mirroring and casting and provide step-by-step instructions on how to achieve this from an iPad using HDMI or from a computer.

Please note: The PLS platform is not designed to be screen shared from a smartphone as smartphones generally do not support all the web functions. We recommend using a tablet or pc to work with the PLS platform. You might choose to use your phone with PLS if you wish to connect to a blue tooth speaker and play audio tracks and songs only.

Understanding the Difference Between Mirroring and Casting

Screen mirroring and screen-casting serve different purposes:

Screen Mirroring: Screen mirroring allows you to project the entire content of your device onto another screen or display. This means everything you do on your computer, tablet, or phone, including switching between documents, presentations, emails, or videos, will be visible to your audience.
Screen-casting: Screen-casting involves selectively transferring online-based media content (such as movies, video clips, or music) from a mobile device to a monitor or TV. Unlike mirroring, you can choose specific content to play or stream, and your device continues running other applications without interruption.

Casting and Mirroring Instructions

Casting and Mirroring PLS from an iPad using HDMI:

Connect your iPad to HDMI: Use a compatible HDMI adapter to connect your iPad to the HDMI input on the display device (TV or smart board).
Select the HDMI input: On your display device (TV or smart board), select the HDMI input that corresponds to your iPad's connection.
Enable screen mirroring: On your iPad, go to "Settings" > "Display & Brightness" > "Screen Mirroring." Select your connected display device from the list. Your iPad's screen will now be mirrored on the larger display.
Navigate and play content: Open the PLS Platform on your iPad, and it will be displayed on the screen. Navigate and control the platform as needed.

Casting and Mirroring PLS from a Computer:

Connect via HDMI: Use an HDMI cable to connect your computer to the HDMI input on the display device (TV or smart board).
Select the HDMI input: On your display device (TV or smart board), select the HDMI input that corresponds to your computer's connection.
Configure screen settings: On your computer, go to "Display Settings" and choose the appropriate display mode (e.g., duplicate or extend).
Open and display content: Open the PLS Platform on your computer, and it will be displayed on the screen. Navigate and control the Platform as needed.

Sharing from a Tablet (E.g.: Lenovo and Samsung Tablets):

For sharing from a Lenovo or Samsung tablet, you can use screen mirroring options available on these devices. Here's a general outline:

Connect your tablet to the display device: Ensure that your Lenovo or Samsung tablet and the display device (TV or smart board) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Enable screen mirroring on your tablet: Depending on your tablet's brand and model, access the screen mirroring or casting function through the settings menu. This may be labeled as "Smart View," "Screen Mirroring," or something similar.
Select the display device: In the list of available devices, select your display device (TV or smart board). Your tablet's screen will now be mirrored on the larger display.
Open and display content: Launch the PLS Platform on your tablet, and it will be mirrored on the screen. Navigate and control the platform as needed.

Sharing PLS on a Smart Board:

For smart TVs and smart boards that support screen mirroring or casting, follow the same instructions as above based on the source device (iPad or computer). Ensure that your display device is compatible with these features.
Consult the user manual or technical documentation of your smart TV or smart board for specific guidance on screen mirroring or casting capabilities.

Remember that the success of casting or mirroring may vary depending on the specific devices and software versions you are using. Always ensure that your equipment is up to date and compatible with the chosen method of projection. With this guide, you'll be well-equipped to share and facilitate Positive Living Skills with the children in your care.