Another one bites the dust. Google has added Jamboard to the Google graveyard. If you loved using Google Jamboard, you will love FigJam even more. FigJam, by Figma, is a FREE collaborative digital whiteboard with so much functionality!! Start by verifying that you are an educator to be upgraded. Go to figjam.new to get started quickly!
Jamboard in the Google Graveyard
Replace Google Jamboard with FigJam. It does everything Jamboard did AND MORE! Figma is also adding new features so it is constantly getting better.
- Learn more about transitioning from Jamboard to FigJam: figma.com/jamboard-edu
- FigJam <> Jamboard feature comparison video
- Getting Started with FigJam toolkit
More Resouces
- FigJam tutorial library, specifically a new FigJam 101 5-min overview
- Attend a live training with David, our Learning Specialist who just joined our team after 10 years in the classroom
- FigJam Edu template library with free lesson plans, activities and more
- FigJam 1-min video animation to see FigJam in action
- FriedTech 1-hour free certification course with PD credit
- Case study videos: one and two
FigJam: Collaborative Digital Whiteboard
Collaboration is an important part of a modern classroom. FigJam makes it easy to create a digital experience with students that puts collaboration first. Go to FigJam.new and click on the Share button, just like you would in any Google application.
Create a Space for “Pages”
Unlike Google Jamboard, FigJam does not have frames. Instead, you create sections within the infinite canvas. In the toolbar down at the bottom, click on the “Sections” option. This will allow you to draw a rectangle on the canvas to create the “page” or section.
Add Sticky Notes
The heart of Google Jamboard was the Sticky Note. Great news, FigJam has them too, except better!! You can add hyperlinked text in a FigJam note.
High Five
FigJam is designed for collaboration! Teach your students to hold down the H key to turn their cursor into a hand. When the hands get close enough, they high five! Lauren from Figma gave me the tip that some teachers will add a circle to the FigJam as the “high five spot.” Students take their cursor over to the high five spot to give each other a boost of encouragement.
Google Docs in your FigJam
FigJam plays nice with others. Structure a collaborative space in FigJam where part of the activity is to edit a Google Doc. Paste the URL right onto the FigJam. Automatically the Google Doc is embedded.
Do Not Leave FigJam – Edit Google Docs
Here is where it gets even cooler. The middle icon on the toolbar for the embedded Google Doc allows you to view and edit the Doc RIGHT IN FIGJAM. That is right, no leaving the collaborative space to go to another tab. Everything is in one place!
Comments and Feedback
Jamboard never had commenting features, but FigJam does!! Click on the comment option in the upper left and then click on what you want to comment on. This places a “comment pin.” Comments are displayed in the side panel on the right or when hovering over a comment pin. Use comments to leave students hints on what they are supposed to do or to leave them feedback in the file.
Set a Timer
Built right into FigJam is a timer.
Duplicate a Copy
While FigJam is designed for collaboration, it certainly is also awesome as a standalone tool for students. Have students make a copy of a template by changing the link to say /duplicate after the file name in the URL.
Original: https://www.figma.com/file/jvwFTBl67UViDDFAWSbjTG/Move-Over-Jamboard-Meet-FigJam?type=whiteboard&node-id=0%3A1&t=NrSM87tsoylBaai1-1
To Duplicate: https://www.figma.com/file/jvwFTBl67UViDDFAWSbjTG/Move-Over-Jamboard-Meet-FigJam/duplicate
The Tip of the Iceburg
There is so much more you can do with FigJam. I hope these quick tips get you started!
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