Right this moment Google introduced that it is going to be ending assist for Jamboard, the whiteboarding software that was launched in 2016.
Google is ushering within the “subsequent section” of digital whiteboarding by partnering with Figjam, Lucidspark, and Miro, three merchandise with superior whiteboard capabilities.
Academics and college students can proceed utilizing Jamboard with none disruption via October 1, 2024. On this date, Jamboard will develop into read-only and also you won’t be able to create new Jamboard actions.
It’s disappointing when Google merchandise are ushered into the “Google Graveyard,” particularly a instrument that has been closely adopted by academics and has distinctive classroom functions.
I’ve created greater than a dozen classes with Jamboard. I understand how a lot time and power it takes to seek out and create these assets. Whereas Jamboard goes away, there are methods you could proceed utilizing the assets you’ve gotten created.
What about Jamboard {hardware}?
Faculties that bought the bodily Jamboard can proceed to make use of it via October 1, 2024. This date is the planed auto-update-expiration for this {hardware}. Assist will and presently and performance might be restricted.
Alternate options to Jamboard
To be fully sincere, Jamboard hasn’t obtained any vital updates or new options in a few years and was beginning to really feel a bit old-fashioned. Personally, I feel there are higher choices obtainable that may take the place of Jamboard.
Listed here are three wonderful Jamboard alternate options.
Google Slides
If you wish to preserve issues throughout the “Googleverse”, Google Slides is a simple Jamboard different. Google lately added the power to annotate whereas presenting, nearly like they knew they wanted so as to add a drawing choice earlier than they eradicated Jamboard. ????
Associated put up: Use Google Slides like a Trapper Keeper!
As a result of Slides and Jamboard share comparable web page sizes, it’s fairly straightforward to transform your Jamboard actions over to Google Slides, similar to I did with the lesson under.
The characteristic that Google Slides does NOT provide is the power to attract within the editor. If drawing on slides is a vital characteristic for you, I feel it’s best to try Figjam.
Figjam
When you just like the open-ended, collaborative really feel of Jamboard, you’ll really feel proper at dwelling utilizing Figjam! This free instrument looks like a extra superior model of Jamboard with cool pens, widgets, stamps & stickers, and higher classroom administration instruments.
Figjam is 100% free for academics and college students. You’ll be able to join a free schooling account by visiting Figma.com/schooling.
Associated video: Figjam vs. Jamboard
Figjam is already built-in with Google Meet and is releasing an import instrument that can convert your present Jamboard actions into Figjam. The conversion instrument might be prepared later this yr. ????
I’ve been working and utilizing Figjam for practically a yr and it’s actually nice. Figma (the corporate behind Figjam) partnered with me to create a video collection for academics which you possibly can view right here.
Canva
In case you are utilizing Canva to design banners, movies, and newsletters, it’s best to try their whiteboarding instrument. Is there something you CAN’T do with Canva?
Canva’s whiteboard software affords primary brainstorming instruments like sticky notes, shapes, strains, and free-drawing pens. It’s not as superior as Figjam, however has the entire fundamentals you’ll anticipate.
Essentially the most spectacular facet of Canva are the templates. In order for you a fast technique to get began with a Venn diagram, idea map, or timeline, Canva has one thing for you!
My one criticism about Canva is the complexity of sharing and managing shared information with others. The collaborative components of Canva aren’t as intuitive as Google Drive or Figjam. If collaboration is your important focus, I feel one of many different choices could be a greater match for you. In order for you college students to work independently on a whiteboard project, Canva will work very nicely.
Canva is free for academics and college students, however it is advisable register for a free schooling improve by visiting cava.com/schooling. As soon as your account has been upgraded, you should have entry to the entire whiteboarding instruments.
So Lengthy, Jamboard ????
Shedding entry to a instrument that you’ve utilized in your classroom is disappointing. You CAN proceed to make use of Jamboard for the rest of the 2023-24 faculty yr. Subsequent yr, nonetheless, you’ll want to undertake a brand new instrument to take the place of Jamboard in your classroom.
