Secondary Tools of Online Engagement
There are lots of secondary tools we can use to help engage people successfully online. Two common ones are Padlet and Jamboard, but try experimenting with a few and see what works for you. The following is a short summary of how Padlet and Jamboard can be used, and what they are.
Padlet
What is Padlet? Padlet is an online notice board. This can feature images, links, videos, text, and documents. Padlet allows you to insert ideas anonymously or with your name, and can be accessed using a phone, computer, or tablet. Padlet can be used for free, but you will be limited to three boards at a time.
How does it work?
Go to padlet.com to download the app on Android or iOS. To add to a Padlet board you can:
- double click anywhere on the board; drag files in;
- paste from clipboard;
- save as bookmark with Padlet mini;
- or just click the ‘+’ button in the lower right corner[1]
Using Padlet on Zoom… As Padlet requires people to look at it, you can launch an audio-only Zoom meeting, so this runs in the background. You can then share a Padlet link with everyone, so you will be able to speak to each other while editing Padlet in real time.
You can make your Padlet board collaborative by sharing a link or QR code with those attending.
Jamboard
[2024 update: Google Jamboard is winding down between 1st October and 31st December 2024.]
What is Jamboard? Google Jamboard is like Padlet. It is a shared virtual whiteboard that enables people to collaborate in real-time remotely.
How does it work?
Jamboard can be downloaded as an app on Android or iOS, and it can be used for free on your computer, phone, or tablet. Go to the Google Jamboard website to learn more.
Each ‘Jam’ starts off blank. Content can be added using tools on the left-hand side of the page, for example, you can add text boxes, sticky notes, images, and illustrations. You can change the size, font, and colour of your text at the top of the Jam page. You can add new ‘Jam’ frames for the different parts of you workshop / meeting.
How to share Jamboard with others… Your Jamboard can either be shared by inviting specific people via their email address or by generating a link that can be distributed to multiple people.
Using Jamboard on Zoom… Again, Jamboard requires attendees to look at it, so launch an audio-only Zoom meeting. You can then share a Jamboard link with everyone, so you and your attendees will be able to speak to each other while editing the Jamboard.
For more information on how to use Jamboard, you can access the Jamboard help centre.
Other tools
There are a range of other tools you could try, depending on the sort of activities you want to include. Remember that the digital skills of attendees may vary, and you will need to support people to use digital tools.
Kahoot
Kahoot is an online learning platform where you can play or create your own games and quizzes to be used as part of online activities. You can also use Kahoot to create interactive workshops and training, but there is a monthly cost for a premium account.
Miro
Miro is an online collaborative whiteboard platform, like Padlet or Jamboard. Miro is free and has lots of features, including in-built templates, frameworks, sticky notes etc.
Jackbox Games
Jackbox games can be played remotely using a computer, phone, or tablet. You will need to purchase a package of games to start using Jackbox, but it is free for your attendees to then join in.
Mentimeter
Mentimeter can help you create interactive presentations and meetings with the use of live polls, quizzes and word clouds. Attendees can use smartphones to connect with your presentation and answer questions. Mentimeter can be used for free, but features are limited. Pro accounts have costs attached.
Anchor
Anchor, by Spotify, is a free tool to make podcasting easy, with built-in uploading, recording, and editing tools.
Footnotes
- Lucie Renard, Book Widgets (2017), ‘30 creative ways to use Padlet for teachers and students‘. (Return to reference [1])
