ITLD’s Top 5: Tips for Using Microsoft Whiteboard in the Classroom

Microsoft Whiteboard is a visual collaborative workspace in digital form that is simple and intuitive to use. It’s much like an old-school whiteboard you may have used in a classroom but with greater functionality.  Read on for our Top 5 tips for using Whiteboard to promote engagement and collaboration in the classroom.

1: Have some fun with an icebreaker.

An icebreaker is a great way for students to share their experiences, get to know each other, build a sense of community, and have fun together at the start of the semester. Not sure what kind of icebreakers to use? No problem – Microsoft Whiteboard has a number of built-in game templates to get you started.

Learn more:

• Icebreakers and Fun With Microsoft Whiteboard

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2: Engage students with content in your synchronous classroom.

Create a new board at the beginning of class and populate it with your content, including images, diagrams, and focus questions. Students can add questions and comments by adding sticky notes directly to the board. At the end of the class, capture an image of the completed board by exporting it as a PNG image and share it with your students.

Learn more:

• How to Run a Lesson With Microsoft Whiteboard

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3: Facilitate group projects outside the classroom.

Whiteboard is a great way for students to collaborate on group projects and assignments. Students can create a board to brainstorm ideas, take notes, ask questions, and organize group projects and presentations. Students can also share their board with you so that you can track progress and provide feedback before they submit their assignment.

Learn more:

• How to Run a Group Project With Microsoft Whiteboard

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4: Create a class bulletin board.

In addition to creating individual boards for lessons and group projects, you can also create and maintain a running board for use throughout the entire semester. This can be a great way to post announcements and reminders, as well as capture students’ feedback, questions, and suggestions. And, since Whiteboard can also be used on mobile devices, students can post thoughts and ideas on the fly!

Learn more:

• Creating Ongoing Projects, Bulletin Boards, and Calendars With Microsoft Whiteboard

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5: Customize privacy settings to fit your students’ needs.

With Microsoft Whiteboard, you can select “Show note authors” in settings, which will allow you to see who wrote specific content on your board. You also have the option to see in real time where students are working in your board (even before they post anything) by selecting the “Collaborative cursors” feature.  Using this option, each student will appear as a different color and a name bubble. Alternatively, if you would like students to post anonymously, you can toggle off both of these features.