Virtual Whiteboards

A virtual whiteboard is a blank space where multiple people can write, share and interact with each other in real-time without needing to be in the same physical location. MS Teams and Zoom both have whiteboard functionality that works like the traditional whiteboard in which you can draw, write, highlight, and make smaller notes where necessary.  You can also change settings to allow students to collaboratively use the Whiteboard function. Virtual whiteboards can be used for small groups (tutorials or breakaway groups) or whole classes. 

How-to Guide:

• Step 1: Create groups. Consider keeping groups small (max 5 students) to reduce “getting lost in the crowd” and freeloading. Mix up how the groups are created - sometimes allow students to choose; sometimes create the group yourself. You can use the Groups tool in Vula or just share a spreadsheet with your tut group through an email or the announcement tool.
• Step 2: Share ground rules and provide clear instructions on how the activity is to be engaged in when using the whiteboard functionality. 
• Step 3: Support students accessing the tool of your choice.

• Step 4: Decide if and how students will share whiteboard content with you, and communicate your plan for this. 

Example:

Group settings:

• Activities in Zoom can be set up for smaller group work through the use of breakaway rooms in which the whiteboard functionality can be made available for group members to use.  

Key points:

• Be creative with how you can show, calculate, explain and involve students in practical and calculation based content.
• It is important to scaffold how to use certain applications or how to approach certain activities, especially for students who are using it for the first time. 
• Test out applications beforehand to know their capabilities. 
• Remember to save the files if it will be needed for future use.