Microsoft Whiteboard is essentially a collaborative digital canvas within Microsoft 365 made for meetings and effective learning. There are many features within Whiteboard that make learning seamless, even when being physically together is not possible.
Microsoft Whiteboard is already a helpful tool for any setting, but especially useful within a classroom setting. This being said, Microsoft is adding new features to the app this summer to make it even more seamless!
- Live cursor identities
With this feature, you can see where others are, who is engaging with the work at hand, and who may need additional help or clarification with the tasks. If a person is not moving their cursor much, this may be a pointer that they are not paying attention, or they do not understand.
2. Insert Images, Docs, and Stickers
It will be possible to take content from other existing documents made. This will make a seamless transition with no wait to show your class or meeting something from an existing document. It will also add fun life and content to your board for your class to see.
3. You will be able to open previously created boards
This new setting will save some time. You can create the Microsoft Team ahead of time, and open it up once the class gets going. This gives you more time to make the Whiteboard look more attractive for the meeting, and saves time during your scheduled class.
4. Laser Pointer
The new laser pointer tool allows the audience of your meeting to physically see a certain area of the board you are referring to. This helps students not be so lost in the life of online schooling. I have inserted a tweet with a gif from Ian Mikutel (@ianmikutel) to show what the took actually does.
5. Lock the student’s view
Similar to the share screen feature in Google Meet, you will be able to lock your students view of the Whiteboard. This will ensure that they only see what you do, not going ahead.
6. Using Whiteboard for group assignments
You will be able to assign group projects within Whiteboard for your students to collaborate on. They will be able to submit one project together, and you can give grades individually, or as a group.
To summarize, Microsoft is continuously adding new updates and features to their apps and websites in order to make them up to standard. Make sure to share this blog with friends, and if you use any of these features, tweet them at me @JoleneAngellel1