I was asked to do a presentation on student engagement with Google Jamboard. My first tip is that Jamboard is a collaboration tool! Active student engagement leads to more learning. Because engagement matters! To truly be interested in something aids in student memory and learning.
Students Can Edit File
If you are using Google Classroom you can add a new Jam by adding from Google Drive. Change the default setting of “Students can view file” to “Students can edit file.”
If you are not using Google Classroom you can change the edit permissions the same way as you do with any Google Doc. Click on the Share button. Paste student emails to give them edit access or change the permissions of the document to allow anyone with the link to edit.
Not Paper
Paper tasks were designed for paper. Turning them into digital resources does NOT improve student engagement. It does NOT improve learning. My standard phrase is “Paperless is not a pedagogy.” To improve learning we need to do something DIFFERENT, otherwise AT BEST the learning will be the same. By the way, I am PRO PAPER! So many great reasons to use paper. I am NOT a proponent of going paperless, but rather to blend when technology can be better and when paper can be better. I am definitely anti-anti tech. Technology is definitely an integrated part of “the real world” and it is irresponsible to pretend it isn’t. The hard part, for me, is getting past what I am used to. Not being influenced by “what worked for me.”
Thinking Is Fun
What are your ideas? These are more interesting than someone else’s. Use Google Jamboard to have students share what they think about a topic. The Sticky Note feature is my favorite! Have students add a Sticky Note with their idea. I then will enlarge a note to discuss it, then shrink it back down.
Version History
Google Jamboard has a version history. Before I share with students I will use the 3 dots menu to choose “See version history.” I name this version TEMPLATE. If there are shenanigans in the Jam I can always revert it back to the original version.
Group Student Ideas
Drag the Sticky Notes around on the Jam. Group together like ideas. Ask students to observe patterns.
Critique the reasoning of others
The 8 mathematical principles is not just about math. They are the principles of critical thinking. MP3 (mathematical practice 3) says to “Critique the reasoning of others.” I let this be a driving force in my class. Share what you think, what will happen, what pattern you observe. Then ask students to debate the ideas. This is an easy way, but never a guaranteed way, to engage students in the lesson.
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