week 2: tech tool Jamboard

    I want to continue to experiment with using Jamboard in my middle school math classroom. Jamboard is a google interactive whiteboard system that allows collaborators to interact in the same space at the same time. In the past, I had seen it mostly used as a way for groups of people to collectively brainstorm on a topic. I had struggled finding a use for a math class as there is not as much “tell me what you think about xyz” type of questions.
    I realized I could copy/paste a screenshot onto a Jamboard. I recently took a worksheet on one-step equations and broke the worksheet of 30 problems up onto 5 different Jamboard slides. My students LOVED the chance to interact more in breakout rooms during the google meet and complete the assignment. From popping in and out of student breakout rooms, I was okay with the level of interaction. Some groups had more cameras and mics on than others.
    One large pitfall is that I did not require students to show their work as that would have been too cumbersome and frustrating to do online. All they had to do was write the answer. In person, this would never fly. It also took a lot of time to set up the Jamboards so I would have a separate one for each breakout group. I could not figure out a way to copy an already existing Jamboard with the worksheet already copied onto it. I also think that I would have to be very intentional with the material I select for them to complete. The topic was review and fairly easy. I don’t think the Jamboard would have been as effective with new material.
    I liked how using the Jamboard also required students to check one another’s work and be able to correct and help one another. Even when I wasn’t in the breakout room with the students, I could still give written feedback on their work. I don’t think Jamboard will ever be a daily staple or something I would use during an entire lesson, but I think it has potential to be a quick novel activity with significant student buy-in.