Capture learners’ ideas using virtual whiteboards

Author:
What: Conduct brainstorms using a virtual whiteboard and annotation tools
You and your learners can use a virtual whiteboard while conducting a group brainstorm, charting activity or mind mapping. Most virtual learning platforms include whiteboards and there are stand-alone whiteboard apps as well, such as Google Jamboard. Preserve a record of the work done on the board for further discussion by saving the whiteboard.

Why: Spotlight Learners’ Voices

Using a whiteboard to brainstorm or chart students’ ideas promotes their voices as their ideas are captured on the board. Highlighting students’ voices increases their engagement and motivation to speak (or chat) their minds.

Evidence-Based Strategies

This routine is supported by the following strategies:

Learner Choice (Voice and Choice) Explicit Instruction: Online Reading Strategies Inquiry-based Learning

How: Google Jamboard

Share a link to a Google Jamboard. (Make sure it is set to “Anyone with the link can edit.”) Display the whiteboard using a projector if collaborating in person or share your screen if collaborating remotely via video meeting. During the brainstorm, type students’ ideas on the board or have them use Jamboard’s text boxes, drawing/shape tools, sticky notes, and/or images to add to the brainstorm. Another option is to set the background as a graphic organizer (e.g., cause-effect chart, Venn diagram, pro/con chart, etc.) and elicit ways to complete the chart based on what learners have read or researched. Learners on smartphones can use Google Jamboard’s assistive drawing tool to change words they’ve drawn with a stylus or finger into text.

EdTech Tool Types: Online Bulletin Board

CR.4 Design Digital Content

There are a variety of free visualizing and mind-mapping tools that learners can use to conceptualize, organize and present information. Many of these tools include features similar to those on a digital whiteboard tool menu. Help learners focus on the tools being used during a brainstorm and how they are used, e.g., text, shapes, formatting, etc. Ask: “If I want to add text, what symbols or words should I look for? (a ‘T’ and/or a text cursor symbol) Once I’ve added text, what formatting options do I have?” (Model selecting a text element to reveal a text formatting toolbar, and how right-clicking can also reveal formatting options.)

CO.2 Collaborate with Technology

Learners can collaborate to brainstorm and visualize ideas using a shared whiteboard in virtual meeting breakout rooms. When possible, create student groups with at least one student on a laptop or desktop computer who can run the activity. In groups where all learners are on smartphones, one student can write up the group’s ideas on paper, take a photo of the notes, and share, text, email or upload the photo to an LMS.