Please note: these tools are not supported by UTS. For more information about which tools are supported, see our post Which tools can I use that are supported at UTS? You can also check out our post 5 reasons to use Microsoft Whiteboard, which is a UTS-supported tool.

For those who missed it, the LX.lab hosted an exciting Tooltime session via Zoom on Tuesday 25th August, looking at new ways of using technology to activate students in the online teaching sphere. This blog post is a brief summary of what was covered.

What is Jamboard and Padlet?

Google Jamboard and Padlet are interactive online tools that behave similarly to virtual whiteboards, where students and teachers can collaborate, discuss and share links and pictures amongst each other in the one shared space.

What we particularly love about these tools is that many users can post onto a board at the same time, which is updated in real-time, making it perfect for collaborative group work, such as generating ideas for new projects and engaging students in problem-solving.

Why use it?

Here are 5 key benefits to using Google Jamboard or Padlet for your next online student collaborative exercise:

Ease of access

The quick sign-in process for instructors (no sign-in required for students) and their user-friendly interfaces make Google Jamboard and Padlet intuitive and simple to navigate. As well, students can access them independently to collaborate amongst each other for team projects.

Collaborative features

Both tools are well-suited for creating whole group activities such as brainstorms, mindmaps, comparison discussions and drawing activities.

Embedding function

Padlet provides the option for embedding, which is particularly useful for academics using UTSOnline, Canvas and MS Teams, who like to keep student engagement within the LMS space.

Multiple boards

Google Jamboard has no limitations with the number of boards you can create, unlike Padlet. They’re quick to setup and easy to use, as well as being readily shareable with students. Jamboard really shines when used together with live Zoom/MS Teams breakout room activities.

Updates in real-time

As mentioned earlier, Google Jamboard and Padlet update immediately, creating the possibility for in-the-moment engagement and collaboration.

It’s a wrap

With the shift to online/remote learning, you and your students may benefit from using these tools to enrich online student collaborative activities and improve student engagement.

Helpful resources

Here are some useful resource sites with information and guides on how you can best utilise these tools:

To read more about learning and teaching approaches to student engagement, take a look at Joseph Yeo’s post:

Feature image by Daria Nepriakhina from Unsplash

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