Guide to Whiteboard Tools: Canva, FigJam, Lucidspark, and Miro
This guide introduces you to four whiteboard tools: Canva, FigJam, Lucidspark, and Miro. Each tool can be leveraged to create engaging and interactive learning experiences for your students. Let's explore how these tools work, their key differences, and how they can support your online instructional goals.
The Value of Versatility in Online Instruction
Updated December 20, 2024
Using the digital whiteboard (instead of a traditional physical whiteboard/blackboard) ensures that your students can see everything you’re writing or drawing – but it also presents a great opportunity for collaboration! By including interactive whiteboard activities and utilizing features like remote control or annotation, you can foster a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
As an online flight instructor, flexibility is key. The end goal is student learning. If you can do that better with a whiteboard and markers, go for it. If you do that better with a PowerPoint presentation, go for it. Be flexible, and be ready for different learning styles.
Indeed, effective instruction often involves a combination of methods. For example, you could use a whiteboard to illustrate a Cessna landing pattern, a small model airplane to demonstrate concepts, and a PowerPoint to emphasize key points like aim point and stabilized approach. By combining tools, you provide a well-rounded experience that complement your student's prior reading.
Most people are visual learners, and sometimes a different perspective or medium can make all the difference. Keeping this in mind, here is how Canva, FigJam, Lucidspark, and Miro can be used to support a variety of instructional strategies.
Canva: Design Simplified
What is Canva?
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design platform that allows you to create stunning visuals, presentations, and educational materials without needing advanced design skills.*
How to Use Canva:
- Choose from thousands of pre-designed templates for presentations, infographics, and more.
- Use drag-and-drop features to customize text, images, and shapes.
- Share your designs with students or co-instructors for feedback.
Why Canva?
Canva is perfect for creating visually appealing materials that can supplement lessons. For instance, you can design an infographic to explain a complex aviation concept* or a worksheet for students to complete after a lesson. Canva’s library of assets and templates simplifies the process of creating professional-looking materials.
FigJam: Digital Whiteboard for Brainstorming
What is FigJam?
FigJam is a collaborative online whiteboard tool developed by Figma, designed for brainstorming, diagramming, and visual collaboration.
How to Use FigJam:
- Use sticky notes, arrows, and shapes to organize ideas.
- Utilize built-in templates for flowcharts and diagrams.
- Collaborate in real-time with students.
Why FigJam?
FigJam shines in interactive settings. You can use it to draw flight patterns or illustrate procedures during ground lessons. Its real-time collaboration features make it ideal for engaging students directly and adapting to their learning pace.
Lucidspark: Dynamic Idea Mapping
What is Lucidspark?
Lucidspark is a virtual whiteboard designed for ideation, brainstorming, and team collaboration.
How to Use Lucidspark:
- Capture ideas with sticky notes, drawings, and text.
- Engage students by using voting features or leaving feedback.
Why Lucidspark?
Lucidspark fosters creativity and collaboration. For example, you can create a flowchart to discuss a stabilized approach or use sticky notes to break down complex flight concepts into manageable parts. It’s a dynamic tool that adapts to the needs of your lesson and students.
Miro: Advanced Collaboration Platform
What is Miro?
Miro is a robust online whiteboard platform that supports deep collaboration through a wide range of tools and integrations.
How to Use Miro:
- Access templates for mind maps, timelines, and lesson planning.
- Add interactive elements like sticky notes and media.
- Conduct breakout group activities during virtual sessons.
Why Miro?
Miro’s advanced features make it an excellent choice for comprehensive lesson planning and execution. Whether you’re breaking down complex aviation systems or facilitating group activities, Miro offers the flexibility and depth to meet your needs.
Making the Most of These Tools
You can use a combination of different mediums to convey the objectives of the sesson. By integrating these tools into your online instruction, you can create more dynamic and engaging learning experiences. Experiment with each tool to find the best fit for your style and objectives.