Preparing to Utilize Google Jamboard Prior to Its Closure in 2025
Google Jamboard, the digital whiteboard tool popular among educators, is set to sunset on December 31, 2024. As we approach this date, it's important for teachers to start exploring alternative solutions. Here are some leading software options recommended for robust, interactive whiteboard tools, especially for UX or enterprise use.
FigJam by Figma is a collaborative design and whiteboarding tool favoured by UX teams and enterprises like Netflix and Spotify. It supports real-time annotation, in-app chat, and expansive whiteboards for workflows ranging from simple flowcharts to app prototypes. While FigJam’s free plan is limited, individual plans start at $15/month. However, it may become laggy with many elements or collaborators, and lacks drawing tablet support.
Another popular alternative is Miro, which provides digital whiteboarding with free basic features suitable for Mac users and teams needing flexible collaboration.
Lucidspark (mentioned as a major competitor but not elaborated in the results) is another collaborative online whiteboard tool for brainstorming and teamwork similar to Jamboard.
In addition to software options, hardware-focused smart boards such as the MAXHUB V6 ViewPro and LG CreateBoard TR3DJ Series offer video conferencing integration with annotation and touch capabilities.
As a teacher using Jamboard, it's recommended to be open and ready to take risks when trying new things. When working in groups, labeling each frame for easy reference is beneficial. Shapes can be used to highlight certain words or numbers, making them stand out.
To make the most of Jamboard before its sunset, teachers can use Screencastify to record videos walking through presentations, or use the palm of their hand to quickly erase anything on the board. Students can work as a group to add images and text to build a story in Jamboard.
EquatIO, an extension from Texthelp in the Chrome Web Store, can be used with Jamboard to create math problems and insert them as images into a Google Doc or Jamboard page. If another teacher accidentally shares to your board, double tapping the power button can cut off the sharing.
Google Jamboard can be integrated with Google Classroom, allowing teachers to share Jams as assignments. When creating a Jam, users can create up to 20 pages and share them with up to 50 students in real time.
Starting on October 1, 2024, the Jamboard app will become view-only. After Dec. 31, 2024, users will no longer be able to create or edit Jams on any platform.
It's important to note that Google recommends users try whiteboarding tools such as FigJam by Figma, Lucidspark by Lucid, and Miro as alternatives.
This article was updated in September 2024.
References: - [1] FigJam by Figma: https://www.figma.com/jam/ - [2] Comparison of FigJam, Miro, and Lucidspark: https://www.comparacart.com/compare/figjam-vs-miro-vs-lucidspark - [3] MAXHUB V6 ViewPro and LG CreateBoard TR3DJ Series: https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/08/20/1007369/smart-boards-for-the-future-of-remote-learning/ - [4] Google Classroom integration: https://support.google.com/jamboard/answer/9169787 - [5] Jamboard tips and tricks: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/5-tips-using-google-jamboard-classroom-jennifer-lindsay
- Rather than relying solely on Google Jamboard, educators should consider shifting to alternative solutions like FigJam by Figma, Lucidspark, or Miro for robust, interactive learning experiences.
- FigJam is a collaborative design and whiteboarding tool, popular among UX teams and enterprises like Netflix and Spotify, that offers real-time annotation, in-app chat, and expansive whiteboards.
- Miro, another digital whiteboarding tool, provides free basic features suitable for Mac users and teams needing flexibility in collaboration.
- As a teacher, leveraging smart-home devices such as smart boards like the MAXHUB V6 ViewPro and LG CreateBoard TR3DJ Series can offer video conferencing integration alongside annotation and touch capabilities.
- In Google Classroom, teachers can integrate Jamboard, enabling them to share Jams as assignments and allowing up to 50 students to collaborate in real time on up to 20 pages.
- Embracing technology for self-development and education-and-self-development, teachers can utilize gadgets like Chromebooks and iPads to export content from Jamboard to other digital formats.
- Before Jamboard's sunset on December 31, 2024, take advantage of tools such as Screencastify to record presentations, or use the palm of your hand to quickly erase board content, and encourage students to add images and text for interactive online-education.
