Simple Guide to Getting Started with Google Jamboard in the Classroom Today
Have you tried Google Jamboard yet? It’s the JAM, pun intended. Google Jamboard makes remote teaching and distance learning interactive, engaging, and just plain fun.
One of the best parts of using Google Jamboard is that it allows students to interact with one another in REAL TIME so they feel more connected.
Think of Jamboard like a digital whiteboard. You can use it for teaching AND interacting with students. It is a really simple tool that is simple to get started with and simple to use.
HOW TO CREATE A NEW JAM
Log into your Google account.
Go to jamboard.google.com.
Click the “+” in the bottom right-hand corner.
HOW TO USE THE JAMBOARD TOOLS
Once you’ve created a Google jam, explore the menu to get familiar with the tools available.
Name your new jam by clicking in the upper left corner where it reads “Untitled jam”.
At the top and center of the jam, you’ll see arrows. If you click the next arrow, you can add new whiteboard frames or panels.
Using the menu bar, you can change the background. Choose a color or insert an image.
Pro tip: Go to Canva.com. Search for “online whiteboard” to see a TON of FREE templates that you can upload directly to Jamboard!Using the vertical toolbar on the left side of the screen, you can find a pen tool. Use the pen tool to draw or write. Change the color or pen type.
Below the pen tool, you can find an eraser tool. Use the eraser tool to erase any writing.
The cursor with a circle around it is the select tool. You can click this if you want to move pieces of your jam around.
Below the select tool, you can find a square icon representing sticky notes. You can add sticky notes anywhere you’d like, as well as move them around.
Below the sticky note tool, you can find an icon of a mountain that you can click to add images.
Next, you’ll find an icon of a circle that you can click to add shapes.
Then, you’ll find a letter “T” icon that you can click to add text.
Lastly, there’s a laser tool that you can use for pointing.
When you’re finished creating, if you click the three dots in the upper right of your screen (next to the blue SHARE button), you can download the jam as a PDF or save individual frames as images.
FREE JAMBOARD TEMPLATE
Have you tried using Google Jamboard yet? It takes less than 5 minutes to give it a try if you haven’t already! If you want help getting started, snag this free template to play around with.
Challenge: Create 1 Google Jamboard. Use each of the tools from the toolbox once.
Once you’ve played around with it a bit, you’ll be ready to share a jam with your students so that they can start interacting and collaborating. Looking for more Jamboard ideas? Hop over here!
