Boost Student Engagement: Jamboard vs. Whiteboard.fi

Updated at: 12/07/2025

In today's dynamic classroom, boosting student engagement is key. Two popular digital tools vying for attention are Google Jamboard and Whiteboard.fi. This article compares these interactive platforms, examining their features, strengths, and weaknesses to help educators choose the best tool to ignite student participation and collaboration. Discover which platform best suits your teaching style and student needs for a more engaging learning experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Setting up Jamboard

    • Use Jamboard for synchronous and asynchronous learning. Great for Google Meet or Zoom sessions.
    • Create a Jamboard (public or school/district specific) and adjust settings for access control.
    • Rename, download (PDF or JPEG), and clear frames in Jamboard.
    Rename, download (PDF or JPEG), and clear frames in Jamboard. Rename, download (PDF or JPEG), and clear frames in Jamboard. Rename, download (PDF or JPEG), and clear frames in Jamboard.
    Setting up Jamboard

  2. Using Jamboard for Engagement

    • Engage students and check for understanding using Jamboard's drag-and-drop, collaborative features.
    • pen, highlighter, brush, eraser, selection, image search, shapes, arrows, text boxes, and laser pointer.
    • Use transparent stickies to overlay text on images.
    Use transparent stickies to overlay text on images. Use transparent stickies to overlay text on images. Use transparent stickies to overlay text on images.
    Using Jamboard for Engagement

  3. Setting up Whiteboard.fi

    • Use Whiteboard.fi for a free, collaborative, and individually assessed tool.
    • Enable waiting room and manual save mode in Whiteboard.fi for better classroom management and student support.
    Enable waiting room and manual save mode in Whiteboard.fi for better classroom management and student support. Enable waiting room and manual save mode in Whiteboard.fi for better classroom management and student support.
    Setting up Whiteboard.fi

  4. Using Whiteboard.fi for Interactive Learning

    • Use Whiteboard.fi's 'Push' feature to send prompts or questions to all students simultaneously.
    • Provide interactive feedback on individual student whiteboards in real-time. Use reactions, erase boards, push specific responses, or write comments (premium feature).
    • Save student whiteboards as a PDF in Whiteboard.fi.
    Save student whiteboards as a PDF in Whiteboard.fi. Save student whiteboards as a PDF in Whiteboard.fi. Save student whiteboards as a PDF in Whiteboard.fi.
    Using Whiteboard.fi for Interactive Learning
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Tips

  • Use Control+D (desktop) to duplicate in Jamboard.
  • Use emojis in Jamboard for student engagement.
  • Create a screenshot of a Jamboard setup as a background to prevent student tampering.
  • The iPad app version of Jamboard might be preferred by some users due to its intuitive interface.
  • In Whiteboard.fi, add co-teachers, hide student names, lock the room, and close the room for better class management.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overusing Jamboard/Whiteboard.fi without clear objectives

Reason: Using these tools without a defined learning goal or activity can lead to disengagement and wasted time. Students may feel lost or unsure of what they're supposed to be doing.
Solution: Always begin with a clear learning objective and carefully design activities that leverage the interactive features of the chosen platform.

2. Lack of real-time interaction and feedback

Reason: Simply posting a Jamboard or Whiteboard.fi and leaving students to work independently can feel isolating and reduce engagement. Students may not receive timely guidance or feel connected to the learning process.
Solution: Integrate opportunities for real-time collaboration, discussions, and teacher feedback through features like live commenting, group work, and direct interaction during lessons.

FAQs

Which platform is better for younger students?
Jamboard's intuitive drag-and-drop interface and visual nature generally makes it more accessible for younger students. Whiteboard.fi's features, while powerful, might be slightly more complex for beginners.
Can I use both Jamboard and Whiteboard.fi for different purposes in my classroom?
Absolutely! Each platform has unique strengths. You might use Jamboard for brainstorming and quick collaborative activities, while reserving Whiteboard.fi for more structured lessons or presentations requiring advanced features like gamification or polls.