How to monitor iPad usage in real time?

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How to monitor iPad usage in real time?

My need would seem to be a common one, but I cannot find an answer for the follow:

My young son uses an iPad. As a parent, I would like to be able to go to my own Mac Pro (on the same wireless network as his iPad), open a software program or window on a browser, and be able to watch in real time exactly what he sees on his screen. I want to do this to make sure he is doing his homework and not playing games.

What software can I use to accomplish that?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Aug 26, 2014 7:54 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 26, 2014 8:31 PM in response to Kuhio Prince

Nothing that I ever heard of. Also, I would view that sort if software as highly intrusive.

You might view the Safari history on his iPad from time to time.....after telling him that clearing the history will cause him to lose the use of the iPad for a long time.

Barry

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Answer 2

Kuhio Prince Author

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Aug 27, 2014 9:39 AM in response to Barry Hemphill

Barry, I can understand how you feel such software might be overbearing or intrusive. The question you're raising is actually one of parenting styles rather than of the software or technology itself.

In this case, the iPad actually belongs to the school and is meant to be used for doing homework only. Homework time is set in our home between certain hours so during that time period it is expected that homework is to be done.

Unfortunately it's not a matter of using Safari, but rather of downloading games and playing them on the device.

I'm not sure how to best handle this...

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Answer 3

robdrage

Level 4

2,830 points

Aug 27, 2014 10:29 AM in response to Kuhio Prince

Look at reflector or airparrot, both allow the streaming of the ipad screen to a computer.

I am not sure it is as simple as you would like, but it is the only option I know of, Apple is releasing IOS 8 soon and I have heard that it has some "family" oriented functions, but alas I have no need and have not investigated them at all.

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Answer 4

Kuhio Prince Author

Level 1

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Aug 28, 2014 8:56 PM in response to robdrage

Thank you for your advice, Rob. I'm trying to use a trial of airparrot, but it's not working. The software is installed on my MacPro (OS 10.6.8). Supposedly my son's iPad Air has Airplay built in and turned on all the time. My computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the iPad Air. But airparrot displays the following endlessly:

AirPlay: Not Connected

Devices: Searching for devices...

Any suggestions as to how to make it work?

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