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Google Jamboard

Two Ready-to-Use “This, Not That” Jamboard Bellringers

by Peggy Reimers March 27, 2023

written by Peggy Reimers

To start off the 2022 school year, I designed five Jamboard bellringers to begin your school day. Out of all five bellringers, I received the most feedback and requests for answers to the “This, Not That” bellringer puzzles. I even had a couple of emails appealing for more. So, ask and you shall receive! I’ve made two new versions with 13 “This, Not That” puzzles each.

Five Jamboard Bellringers to Start the School Day screenshot of linked blog article — Read **Five Jamboard Bellringers to Start the Day**

How does a “This, Not That” puzzle work?

Each frame in the Jamboard bellringer gives five statements, and you have to figure out from those statements what a person likes. For example, let’s take Emily.

She likes minutes, not hours.
She likes the Seven Dwarfs, but not Snow White.
She likes poems, not novels
She likes power naps, not dusk-to-dawn sleep.
She likes skirts, not jeans.

If your reasoning led you to believe she likes things that are short, you nailed this bellringer! Here’s another example:

Sometimes these bellringer puzzles can be a little tricky. So teachers, if you do not have time to figure out the answers, email me at preimers@tcea.org, and I’ll send them to you!

Five Steps to Making These Bellringers Yours

Step 1: Sign into your Google account.

Step 2: Click the link to the bellringer you’d like to access.

Image of the title frame of This, Not That Bellringer Edition 1 — **This, Not That- Edition 1**

Image of the title frame of This, Not That Bellringer Edition 2 — **This, Not That- Edition 2**

Step 3: When the page loads, click the “snowman” in the top right corner.

Step 4: Select “Make a copy” in the dropdown menu.

Jamboard Google Menu to make copy of bellringer

Step 5: Rename your copy.

Now, you’re ready to go!

Additional Tips

Have your students try their hand at creating a “This, Not That” puzzle. It is harder than it looks, and it really stretches the mind to create five statements.

If you need a different platform, I can provide the puzzles in a PPT or Google Slides version, just email me!

Are “This, Not That” bellringer puzzles your thing? I’m working on a third edition, so stay tuned!

March 27, 2023 4 comments

Five Jamboard Bellringers to Start the School Day

by Peggy Reimers August 3, 2022

written by Peggy Reimers

Jamboard is such a good tool for creating quick, interactive activities to warm up students’ brains at the beginning of class. I can’t think of a better time to jump into a Jamboard than when the morning school bell chimes. Here are five bellringers that you can copy and run with!

1. For the Rest of Your Life

This bellringer will really get your students thinking about making a choice. Similar to “Would you rather…”, options include:

If you could only have one utensil, would you choose a fork, knife, or spoon?
If you could visit only one landmark would you choose the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, or the Great Wall of China?
If you could eat only one fruit, would you choose an apple, banana, or orange?
If you could eradicate a species of animal, would you choose alligators, snakes, or spiders?
Would you rather live in a skyscraper in a large city, a hut on the beach, or a castle in a foreign county?
Would you rather only eat tacos, pizza, or hamburgers for every Saturday meal?

2. Picture of the Day Bellringers

Students will take a look at a picture and be challenged to consider what they see, what details they notice, and what they think is happening in the image with this bellringer. The Jamboard comes with a selection of post-it-notes that include the prompts:

I notice . . .

I wonder . . .

This makes me think . . .

Photos include:

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo
Snow scene
Breakfast time
The Girl and a Bubble
A Road in the Desert
The Crown Fountain in Chicago
A Maker Costume

3. Color Jam Bellringer

Each slide is a different color. Students think of one item for each color (banana for yellow, sky for blue, etc.) and either type it on a sticky note or in a text box. For a challenge, see if they can come up with different items for each color without any duplicates. When finished, they could also find an image to go along with the items they listed for an extended bellringer.

4. Quick Debates

Share one of the quick debate topics, and students can pick a position and defend their decision. It’s always interesting to hear the different arguments for and against! The 10 topics include:

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Does a straw have one hole or two?
Is your thumb a finger?
Eat rice with a spoon or a fork?
Is chess a sport?
Should you eat ice cream in a cup or a cone?
Is cereal a soup?
Does a snake have a tail?
Is cheesecake a cake?
What is the correct way to put on socks and shoes? Sock, sock, shoe, shoe OR sock, shoe, sock, shoe.

5. This, Not That

There are 12 “This, Not That” puzzles to choose from on this bellringer. How does this work? Each frame gives five statements and you have to figure out from those statements what a person likes. For example, let’s take Emily.

She likes minutes, not hours
She likes the Seven Dwarfs, but not Snow White.
She likes poems, not novels
She likes power naps, not dusk to dawn sleeps.
She likes skirts, not jeans.

If your reasoning led you to believe she likes things that are short – you are CORRECT! Sometimes these puzzles can be a little tricky. So teachers, if you do not have time to figure out the answer, email me at preimers@tcea.org, and I can send you the answers.

I know that educators are always looking ideas for bellringers. Please feel free to drop a link or comment in the chat if you have any to add. Let’s ring that bell!

August 3, 2022 5 comments

Chromebooks Google Tips and Tricks Microsoft Microsoft Tips and Tricks

TCEA Responds: Convert Jamboards to Microsoft Whiteboard

by Miguel Guhlin August 2, 2022

written by Miguel Guhlin

Dear TCEA Responds:
Is there a way to convert a Google Jamboard document to a Microsoft Whiteboard? Help!
Thanks in advance, Seliza

Dear Seliza,

Thanks so much for your fascinating question. Many of us find ourselves living in two or three different ecosystems. We do some of our work in Google Workspace for Education and some in Microsoft 365. Others even manage to get work done with Chromebooks in Microsoft 365 or using Google tools with Apple iPads.

In this particular case, it is possible to convert Google Jamboard documents, and when done, you’ll be able to use a Google Jamboard in a Microsoft Whiteboard. I will also explain how to bring Microsoft Whiteboard templates into Google’s Jamboard, in case you were curious.

What Are the Tools?

If you’re wondering, Microsoft Whiteboard is a digital whiteboard. You can use Microsoft Whiteboard in Microsoft Teams, too.

There are many whiteboard solutions available. Google Jamboard has become popular because it allows for collaboration and easy editing. Of course, Google Jamboard does limit you to 25 participants max at a time.

Want to learn more about Google Jamboard? What about get thousands of Jamboard templates? If that’s of interest, be sure to sign up for TCEA’s Google Jamboard online, self-paced course. You won’t regret it!

Microsoft Whiteboard comes with a host of templates you can use. Take a look at those before beginning the journey of converting a Jamboard. Of course, “converting” a Jamboard isn’t really accurate. Technically, you’re making a digital copy of the Jamboard as an image. This means that you can use image editors like Microsoft Paint or browser-based Kleki. These editors make it simple to make changes or adjustments. We’ll also go over some workarounds in Microsoft Whiteboard.

Steps for Converting a Jamboard to a Microsoft Whiteboard

Here’s the Jamboard I’ll be converting:

Copy this Jamboard Frame

Note: Many Jamboards begin as Google Slides or Drawings, so if you’re able to find and copy the original Slide or Drawing, you’ll be able to edit the contents. Once you import them into Jamboard, they serve as image backgrounds. That’s why Jamboard frames are harder to edit unless you are using a dedicated image editor. Some no-cost image editors you can use if you’d like to edit a Jamboard frame are:

Of course, there are many others. So remember, if you can’t get a copy of the Google Slide or Drawing that inspired Jamboard, use an image editor like the ones above.

Step #1: Save a Jamboard Frame as an Image.

Jamboard gives you the option to save a frame as an image. You can easily do that by clicking the three dots in the top right corner and selecting “Save frame as image” from the drop-down menu.

Step #2: Open Microsoft Whiteboard.

You can open Microsoft Whiteboard online. Once you have it open, click the plus sign to create a new whiteboard.

Step #3: Import the Jamboard Image Frame.

Once you have a new Whiteboard document created, click on the images icon which will allow you to import any image you want so long as it is a JPG, PNG, GIF, or a variant of those.

This will allow you to import the image frame you saved. Of course, you won’t be able to make changes to the image (but you couldn’t do that in Jamboard, either).

Step #4: Make Your Final Adjustments.

Once you have the Jamboard image in Microsoft Whiteboard, you’re all set to make any edits and additions.

One of the neat features of Microsoft Whiteboard is the image editing tools.

You can also use the Create toolkit to create boxes that overlap elements of the imported frame and add text above those boxes.

Steps for Importing Whiteboard Templates into Jamboard

So you can see how easy it is to move Jamboards into Microsoft Whiteboard. Of course, you can also do the same with Microsoft. Let’s say you find a wonderful template in Microsoft Whiteboard to use. Why not export it, then bring it into Jamboard for use?

Step #1: Export the image from Microsoft Whiteboard.

Click the Settings wheel and then select Export image.

You will also be prompted to choose image size. Try both Standard or High resolution to see which will work best for your purposes. I preferred high resolution.

Step #2: Import the image into Jamboard.

Select Set Background Image, click the add image icon, and import the image.

Step #3: Make any adjustments!

Once you import the image, you can add sticky notes, text, images, drawings, etc.

From Jamboard to Microsoft and Back Again

I hope you’ve found this article on Jamboard and Microsoft Whiteboard helpful! As a bonus tip, I’ll say that one of the amazing tools you can use to design Jamboard or Whiteboard backgrounds is Sketch.io. I’ve discussed it in other blog entries. You can use it as a browser-based alternative to other popular tools. Those other tools include Google Slides, Google Drawings, or Microsoft Powerpoint. Use the tool that makes the best sense for your students. Be on the lookout for a blog later this week by Peggy Reimers with Jamboard bellringer activities!

August 2, 2022 0 comment

Instructional Coaching

The Art of Coaching in the Digital Age

by Kate Gomez and Corinna Saiz January 5, 2022

written by Kate Gomez and Corinna Saiz

Teachers have leveraged technology to increase student learning in the classroom and it’s time for coaches to follow suit. How? Coaches (digital, instructional, data, and more) can use technology to increase their impact through teacher professional learning. Additionally, traditional coaching techniques can be enhanced with digital tools and used to increase effective technology use in the classroom. Used within Elena Aguilar’s Coaching Cycle and Google’s Five-Step Coaching Model, which are both circular in design, a continuation of coaching can be implemented. Consequently, a deepening of skills and understandings can be promoted through digital tools within the cycle.

Digital Tools for Goal Setting

The first stage of coaching is goal setting or identifying a focus with the teacher. Digital tools can certainly streamline this process. Two helpful tools are coaching choice boards and a shared space for brainstorming.

Coaching Choice Boards

You can create a coaching choice board using any program you’re comfortable with; we like using Google Slides or Jamboard. The beauty of a coaching choice board? It provides the teacher with a place to start. You can also include programs being used at your school and skill-driven topics. We recommend including components that will reinforce the 4Cs Framework or the ISTE standards.

Shared Spaces for Brainstorming

After selecting a general place to start your coaching sessions with the teacher, a shared space for idea generation is the next step. Two easy-to-use tools are Google Docs and Jamboard. We like to use the sticky note feature in Jamboard to jot down ideas and organize to create clarity for next steps with teachers. It’s key for you and the teacher to have clear, shared goals and next steps. Using these digital tools streamlines the process and will open an easy line of communication.

Digital Tools for Selection and Implementation

For the select and implement step in the coaching process, several digital tools can support your continued work with your teacher. Wakelet offers a space to post resources for use in the classroom and can be a resource that teachers revisit for future use. Padlet is a virtual bulletin board that can be used to list resources for your teacher. Additionally, these tools are collaborative so both of you can post resources and ideas. Padlet can also be a space where your teacher can post “reviews” of resources they’ve used, giving you some valuable feedback. Finally, another great way to provide resources for your teachers is a choice board, which can be in the form of a Google Doc, Google Slide, or a Padlet. Like Wakelet and Padlet, choice boards are a space where your teachers can click on a resource to learn more about it.

Padlet Digital Learning Choice Board — *Example Choice Board Using Padlet*

Digital Tools for Observation and Data Collection

After you’ve done the pre-work, it’s time to put it all into action during the implementation stage or observation and data-collection stage of coaching. There are undoubtedly many different tools to support teachers through this process.

Recording the Lesson

While it’s not a digital tool, your presence to support at the beginning of implementation can really boost a teacher’s confidence moving forward! If you can’t be present and you already have your teacher’s trust, it can sometimes be beneficial to record the classroom in action using a tablet on a tripod with a microphone attachment. This should only be done if your teacher is comfortable, and it should only be for reflection. We do not recommend you suggest this until you have a strong rapport with your teacher.

Student Surveys

In the meantime, what better critics than the students? When trying something new in class, it can be extremely helpful to do short surveys using Google Forms or reflecting through FlipGrid. If using a student survey, make sure it takes five minutes or less to complete.

Digital Tools for Reflection

Finally, for the reflection/identify step in the coaching process, you’ll want to provide your teacher with a means to discuss how the lesson went: what worked, what didn’t work, what they still have questions about, and finally, what their next steps are. We recommend a shared Google Doc where the teacher can reflect on the experience and you can give timely feedback on the same document. Some coaches provide surveys. In our experience, those have a low response rate; however, if you choose to use surveys, a great resource is Google Forms.

All of the digital tools that have been recommended in this article are free to use and have a gentle learning curve. If you’re learning a new tool, be honest with your teachers about your own learning. There is no better way to show teachers that they can learn new skills than sharing your own skill acquisition process. We recommend that all learning coaches consider adding a touch of technology to their practice to support their teachers and provide them with digital tools that just might make their job a little easier.

Kate and Corinna will be co-leading the Digital Learning Coaches: How to Build Capacity and Leverage Impact session at TCEA 2022. If you’ve not yet registered, you have until January 14 for a discounted rate, so don’t wait to register! You don’t want to miss these two and all the other great TCEA 2022 speakers and sessions.

January 5, 2022 11 comments

Google Tips and Tricks

Fun Icebreaker Jamboard Templates for Back to School

by Diana Benner August 10, 2021

written by Diana Benner

Icebreaker questions are a great way to celebrate the new school year with your students and staff, and Google Jamboard is the perfect tool to use. Let’s take a look at some fun and engaging templates you can use right away.

Icebreaker Jamboard Templates

The Jamboard templates below are designed to get your students talking. Listen to them explain and share their ideas about the questions on the jams as you learn new things about each of them. You can even join in on the fun so your students can get to know you too.

You can use one Jamboard on selected days to check in with your students or use them all during the first week of school. The possibilities are endless.

If You Could

“If You Could” questions will spark your student’s imaginations. Asking questions like, “If you could rule the world for a day, what would you change?” and “If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be and why?” will really get them talking to you and each other. Check out this If You Could Jamboard Template.

Would You Rather

“Would You Rather” questions give you an insight into your student’s preferences. This Would You Rather Jamboard Template has a few examples of questions you can ask. However, if you need more ideas, be sure to see this list of questions that are student friendly.

Favorites

Students love to talk about their favorites. This is a great way to help students find commonalities among themselves, which goes a long way to fostering classroom community. Look at this Favorites Jamboard Template.

Get to Know You

This Get to Know You Jamboard Template has a set of random questions your students can answer. The more you get to know your students, the better rapport you will have with them.

Tic-Tac-Toe

Who doesn’t love a good game of tic-tac-toe? With this Tic-Tac-Toe Jamboard Template, students read each statement and then place an “X” in the box that is true. The first two frames of the jam have examples; then you can create your own on the rest of the frames.

Random Icebreaker Questions

This Random Icebreaker Jamboard Template has even more questions. For example, “What do you think is the greatest invention of all time?” and “What’s the last movie you saw in a theater?

Most of these icebreaker templates were shared by Patty Jeanne of the Teachers Using Jamboards Facebook group. If you are looking for even more Jamboard templates, check out these for social-emotional learning (SEL) and for elementary students and secondary students.

And if you just want more ideas for icebreakers, be sure to download our free ebook Digital Icebreakers That Shatter.

More Back-to-School Resources

Back-to-School Roundup

10 First Day of School Activities Shared by Teachers

Three Editable Back-to-School Activities for Language Development

Five Creative Back-to-School Activities from Book Creator

Free Classroom Posters

August 10, 2021 5 comments