Get Started with Google Jamboard Tool

Google Jamboard is a digital whiteboarding tool that saves to Google Drive. AND IT IS COLLABORATIVE!!! Jamboard is the perfect tool to add to your EdTech toolbox for engaging students in learning.

More Resources: Google Jamboard For Teachers

Create a Jam

Jamboard Jams are FREE and web based. You do NOT need special hardware to use the Google Jamboard tool. (Note: There is an expensive Jamboard Kiosk you can purchase but it is definitely not required.) The easiest way to create a Jam is going to jam.new. You can also go to jamboard.google.com to see your Google Drive filtered for Google Jamboard Jams.

In a Jam You Have a Frame

First understand that Jamboard is NOT Google Slides. It is NOT a presentation tool. It is a collaboration tool. So instead of a slide you have a frame. Your Jam starts with one frame. You can add up to 20 frames.

Convert Your Google Jamboard Jams to FigJam

Google is discontinuing Jamboard. GOOD NEWS! It is super EASY to convert your files into FigJam. Sign up for a FREE educator account at figma.com/education. Go to figma.com to import your Jamboards Jams. Check out my converted files at figma.com/@alicekeeler.

Sticky Notes Rock

One of the best parts of Google Jamboard, in my opinion, is the Sticky Notes. Look at the icon in the middle of the toolbar on the left hand side. The idea of Jamboard is to get your ideas out! Create Sticky Notes and brainstorm! Switch to the arrow tool to move the notes around and sort through your ideas.

Use the Frame Bar

At the top center of your Jam is the Frame Bar. This helps you to know which frame you are on and to navigate to other frames. You can also drag the frames around in the Frame Bar.

Collaborate

Be sure to hit the SHARE button in the upper right. This is a Google Product so sharing a Jam is exactly the same as sharing a Google Doc or Slides.

No Save Button

Just like Google Docs and Google Slides there is NO SAVE BUTTON! All your Jams are saved to Google Drive!