Google Jamboard: Not Just For Collaboration

 Google Jamboard: Not Just For Collaboration and Presentations 

    As a math teacher, when assessing student work, it is often more beneficial for me to see how a student works through a problem than seeing if they calculated the correct answer.  Knowing that the student understands the process and reasoning behind the steps is more important than rote memorization of the equations.  Minor mistakes in calculation can be corrected quickly, while misconceptions in algebraic thinking take reteaching.  Rarely do I require a specific mathematical strategy to be used, as long as they can show and explain their reasoning.  But, when I was required to take teach online, I found that I couldn't see how my students were completing their work.  There were many times I had to assume that they were using a calculator and/or a parent was completing the work because their answers were "too correct." Responses were given in decimal form when we only began discussing having a remainder in division (4th grade).  Or I would be given a correct answer, but when they were to explain how they solved the problem, they had no idea where to start.  It was frustrating!  I didn't know how to support my students while also getting an authentic assessment of their understanding.  That was when I found Jamboard.

    There is a good chance that  If you work in a school system that uses Google Education Suite, then you have seen or used Jamboard (a digital whiteboard) for collaborative thinking projects.  It is a great source to allow students (and their teachers) to share ideas and problem solve.  But, I am going to share a different implementation of this resource.  A process that has been a life-savor for math instruction during NTI. 

Making A Lesson:

    When making an assignment on Jamboard, I always start with a slide containing instructions and often add a copy of our anchor charts on the skill being practiced.  These slides remind the students of the expectations for the assignment and provide support if needed.  

Then, I add 1-2 equations per slide, leaving ample space for the kids to solve the problems and show their thinking.  Lastly, the slide show ends with instructions on what to do when they complete the assignment.  Then to assign the students the Jamboard, I simply share it through Google Classroom so that a copy is made for each student.  

Student Voice and Choice

    One of the perks of Jamboard is that there are multiple tools for the students to use for completing their work.  A pen, highlighter, and marker tool; are all used for various writing and coloring activities.  A text box and sticky note tool allow students to type their thinking.  Shape and image integration enables students to create visual representations or embed photographs of their work on paper.  I like having these tools available for the kids because they can choose how they want to show their work.  During NTI, many students complained about how they struggled with assignments, and after thinking about it, I realized it wasn't because they didn't know how to do the work.  It was because they didn't know how to proficiently manipulate the platform/app/software they were using.  Jamboard has multiple tools for the kids to use, giving them multiple ways for them to be successful while practicing skills online.  It also offers accommodations to students who may need them.  

Real-Time Interaction:

    As stated above, Jamboard was originally designed as a collaboration tool.  Multiple users can be on the same document at the same time, anywhere around the world.  This is beneficial for my students because if they are struggling with their work, I can get on their documents from my computer while they are working on the same document from their computer.  While using my phone or Google Meets, I can talk to the student while we work on their assignment, in real-time.  It is as close to being at their desk in the classroom as you can be during NTI. 

   If you are an educator that is currently required to teach online due to the Covid pandemic, or because you implement blended learning in your instruction, Jamboard is a great tool to start using (or use differently) in your lessons.