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
