Day 22: Using Jamboard for Interactive Learning – Brainstorming and Engagement Activities

 

30 Days of Google Classroom: A Guide for Future Educators

Day 22: Using Jamboard for Interactive Learning – Brainstorming and Engagement Activities

Introduction

Engaging students in interactive and collaborative activities is key to keeping them motivated and involved in learning. Google Jamboard, a digital whiteboard tool, allows educators to create visual brainstorming sessions, group discussions, and interactive learning activities that enhance engagement in both virtual and in-person classrooms.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to use Google Jamboard for brainstorming, collaboration, and active learning.

What is Google Jamboard?

Google Jamboard is a free, cloud-based whiteboard tool that enables students and teachers to interact in real-time by adding: ✔ Sticky notes – For brainstorming and organizing ideas.
✔ Drawings and annotations – To highlight key concepts and create visual explanations.
✔ Images and shapes – To make learning more engaging.
✔ Text and handwriting recognition – For easy note-taking.
✔ Multiple pages (Jams) – To organize different discussion points.

💡 Tip: Jamboard is available as a web app and a mobile app, making it easy for students to participate from any device.

How to Access and Use Google Jamboard

1. Creating a New Jamboard

  1. Open Google Jamboard.
  2. Click the + (Create a new jam) button.
  3. Use the toolbar to add sticky notes, draw, or insert images.
  4. Click Share to invite students by email or link.

💡 Tip: Enable editing access if you want students to collaborate in real time.

2. Adding a Jamboard Activity in Google Classroom

  1. Open Google Classroom and go to the Classwork tab.
  2. Click Create > Material or Assignment.
  3. Click Add > Link, then paste the Jamboard link.
  4. Click Post or Assign to share with students.

💡 Tip: Choose “Students can edit” if you want them to contribute, or “View only” if you’re presenting information.

Interactive Learning Activities with Jamboard

1. Brainstorming Sessions

  • Create a mind map with sticky notes for idea generation.
  • Use different colors to categorize topics or responses.

2. Exit Tickets & Reflection

  • Ask students to write one thing they learned and one question they have before ending a lesson.
  • Collect anonymous feedback for insights into student understanding.

3. Collaborative Storytelling & Creative Writing

  • Have students add to a shared story one sticky note at a time.
  • Use images as writing prompts for creative exercises.

4. Interactive Diagrams & Visual Learning

  • Upload images (e.g., scientific diagrams, historical maps) and have students label them.
  • Use drawing tools to solve math problems visually.

5. Group Work & Problem-Solving

  • Divide students into small groups with separate Jamboard slides.
  • Assign real-world challenges for students to solve collaboratively.

💡 Tip: Use Jamboard templates for structured activities like KWL charts (Know, Want to Know, Learned) or Venn diagrams.

Best Practices for Using Jamboard in the Classroom

✔ Set clear expectations – Explain how students should interact and contribute.
✔ Use color-coded sticky notes – Organize information visually for easy reading.
✔ Limit the number of participants per Jamboard – Prevent overcrowding and confusion.
✔ Encourage real-time collaboration – Have students work simultaneously for maximum engagement.
✔ Save and share Jams – Export Jamboard files as PDFs to review later.

What’s Next?

Now that you know how to use Jamboard for interactive learning, in Day 23, we’ll explore Google Classroom & YouTube – Enhancing Lessons with Video.

How do you use Google Jamboard in your teaching? Share your favorite activities in the comments!

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