by Steve Woods, Instructional Technology Specialist
Google’s Jamboard is a free presentation tool that integrates interactive and collaborative elements in an easy-to-use interface. You can find Jamboard at https://jamboard.google.com, on that 9-dot Google App Launcher on most Google tools, or via free download at either the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store for mobile devices.Jamboard’s deceptively simple interface hides a lot of its creative power, leaving it up to your imagination as to how best to share it with your class. You’ll start with a single document, or “Frame,” as Jamboard calls it. You can add up to a total of 20 Frames on a board.
You’ll find various tools, including a combination pen/marker/highlighter/brush tool with 6 simple colors, an eraser, post-it notes, image insert, shapes, text box tool, and a laser pointer. At the top center is an Expand Frame Bar button, used to add or remove Frames, or navigate through all Frames of your board.
How are Jamboards used in the classroom? As exit tickets, social-emotional learning tools, classification tools, mind maps, shout-outs, virtual manipulatives, storyboards, and more. It’s really up to you how you want to use your Jamboards.
You can find shared Jamboard templates and ideas by visiting:
Because it’s a Google product, Jamboards can be shared with your students using the ubiquitous Share button, or in Google Classroom by searching Drive when creating an assignment. It’s recommended to use Classroom, as students won’t be able to post completely anonymously on your boards. Plus, Classroom allows you to share a copy of your Jamboard with each student if you’d like.
