What Is Google Jamboard?

by TeachThought Staff

Summary: What is Google Jamboard? Jamboard is a cloud-based app that enables visual collaboration between users in real-time. This would enable Sync Teaching and support remote teaching and learning, to mention two obvious use cases. (More are given below.)

This functions as a shared ‘whiteboard’ on each user’s individual screen. It also has an available physical 55″ Interactive Flat Panel screen, but is very pricey (see below) and not necessary for most of its functions.

Google Jamboard Alternatives: Microsoft Whiteboard, Explain Everything, Nimbus, Goodnotes 5, Loom, Notion, Evernote, Dropbox Paper

Google Jamboard Apps: Android and iOS

Our take: a useful complement to a classroom already deeply committed to Google’s tools and general platform.

For other teachers and students, there are compelling alternatives depending on your usage, from similarly functioning apps like Microsoft Whiteboard and Explain Everything to the underrated Goodnotes 5 app. There is a limit of 16 users at once. For reference, Explain Everything allows up to 25 students at once but recommends only 8.

Google Jamboard Uses In The Classroom

Model skills like math, art, note-taking, and other competencies whose mastery can be encouraged through modeling for students

Collaborate on projects in project-based learning–either between the teacher and students or between students

Brainstorm ideas collaboratively–for writing, projects, and more

Concept-map problems and solutions while using inquiry-based learning

Use in a flipped classroom setting to allow peer groups to collaborate in real-time in class or at home

Use during remote teaching and learning as an online ‘chalk board’ to lead activities, check for understanding, and more

Developer Description

Released in 2017, Google Jamboard is both a combined app and interactive whiteboard system that offers an available 55″ 4K touchscreen display and allows cross-platform support.

Student tablet users can access a suite of editing tools to collaborate with students or educators and teachers and students can even access your content from a web browser as well.

Other features? Jamboard allows users to pull in images from a Google search, save work to the cloud automatically, use a handwriting and shape recognition tool, and draw with a stylus but erase with your finger just as you would with a whiteboard.

Jamboard makes learning visible and accessible to all collaborators on the ‘jam session.’ You can also present your jams in real-time through Meet, allowing for screen sharing or making real-world connections. Jamboard also integrates with Google Classroom and obviously Google Drive, too.

Educators can engage all students in the learning process, whether working together in a traditional classroom, a group seminar setting, or through distance learning. The Jamboard app for Android and iOS makes it easy for students and educators to join in on the creativity from their phone, tablet, or Chromebook.

Is Google Jamboard free?

Yes, as an app and platform is free. You can also use it through tablets, smartphones, and even web browsers.

Jamboard starts at USD $4,999 (includes 1 Jamboard display, 2 styluses, 1 eraser, and 1 wall mount) with a one-time management and support fee payment of USD $600. There is no recurring annual fee.