Digital Whiteboards

Google Jamboard is one of Google's Workspace applications designed to support collaborative projects and collective brainstorming. Jamboard can be accessed on a smart tablet or computer, and Google also markets a large tv monitor that can be directly written on with a stylus. It can function as a digital whiteboard for faculty who like to write notes or annotate information on a screen during a virtual event or classroom presentation. Jamboard enables you to:

• Save your work within Google Drive

• Incorporate images and documents found on the web or on your computer

• Use sticky notes to organize topics

• Use a stylus, mouse, or your finger to manipulate and organize items on your board.

Click on the video to the left to view a mini demo of where to find Jamboard on your computer, and how to create a basic board within your NYU Google account.

Like Google Jamboard, Miro is a collaborative digital whiteboard tool that utilizes sticky notes, drawing tools, and text annotation to support project planning and development. Miro is compatible with a range of devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. Work is saved and synchronized between devices in real time. Faculty and students can create free Miro account that enables groups no larger than 10 to collaborate on a single project. Paid accounts allow for larger team configurations. Watch a brief demo to learn how Miro works.

If you are looking for a whiteboard tool to use during a Zoom session, the Zoom whiteboard tool is built right into your Zoom meeting toolkit and can be accessed by clicking on the green share button at the bottom of the Zoom screen. The Zoom whiteboard tool facilitates typing, drawing, highlighting, spotlighting (with a laser tool) and creating shapes to organize the board or create diagrams. Zoom whiteboard incorporates annotation tools that can also be used in tandem with other materials with the class such as a pdf, web-based article, or slide presentation. Note: you can also share one of the other whiteboard platforms reviewed on this page during your Zoom meeting if that is preferable. The Zoom whiteboard is very basic, and does not incorporate some of the features other platforms include to enhance brainstorming activities. The video on the left briefly demonstrates where to find Zoom whiteboard and how its annotation tools work.

More recent software versions of Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and OneNote (part of the suite of applications known as Microsoft 365) now incorporate drawing tools that enable you to use these apps as ad hoc whiteboards. Learn more about the tools available within each app.