https://anchor.fm/hitechpod/embed/episodes/2--Digital-Whiteboarding--Background-er07l0

This Week's Apps: Google Jamboard & Miro

What are digital whiteboards?

Digital whiteboards are a field of educational technology focused on recreating the physical whiteboard experience. They provide virtual space to type or handwrite content for others to see. **Google Jamboard** and Miro are our top two products in this space right. Google Jamboard is the top free product. While limited in functionality, it hits the core features and makes collaborating easy. On the other hand, Miro does offer some freemium options but its paid version goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Typing, drawing, shapes, images, files, and chat are just some of the many features that make this product the ultimate digital whiteboarding experience.

What can they be used for?

Whiteboards were used to convey meaning quickly and in an erasable, reusable manner. Digital whiteboards take that same open canvas approach and revitalize the whole concept. On a physical whiteboard, only people with markers could interact.

Now you and students can interact in live digital space however you want to.

Now you and students can interact in live digital space however you want to, whether it's creating a diagram, reviewing a procedure, creating a lecture experience, or brainstorming ideas. If you can dream an activity where you and the students use virtual space to organize and create, these digital whiteboards can support that goal. Imagine that these whiteboards can replicate the experience of using sticky notes to group like ideas or they can be the canvas for a great work of art.

How do I get started?

First, consider your scope and your audience. If you need to do a quick activity or do not need too many features, Google Jamboard is better for your task. If you need integrations and media, ****Miro is going to be your goal.

However, your audience may still help you decide: do you need to track who does what? If you need to know which of your students is doing the work (i.e. to track for a grade or some other assessment), then you will want to use Google if you are a Google institution or you will want to use Miro because everyone will need to sign up for an account. Consider these suggestions before deciding which tool to work with.

Then, check out these great resources from **Google** and from Miro to help you get started.