Imagine a virtual classroom wall where students can brainstorm ideas, organize thoughts, and work together in real-time – that’s the magic of FigJam! This free, web-based platform by Figma is designed for collaborative brainstorming and whiteboarding, making it a perfect fit for the modern, interactive classroom.

What is FigJam?

Think of FigJam as a digital sticky note on steroids. It’s an online whiteboard with a vast toolkit for creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Students can add text, images, videos, and even embed documents – all while working together simultaneously. This fosters active participation, promotes critical thinking, and allows for real-time feedback and discussion.

Getting Started with FigJam

Here’s a quick guide to get you started with FigJam:

1. Sign Up and Verification: Head over to Figma’s education page (https://www.figma.com/education/) to get verified as an educator. This unlocks free access to Figma’s features, including FigJam.
2. Create a FigJam Board: Once verified, navigate to https://www.figma.com/ and click “FigJam” to create a new board. You can also use pre-made templates from Figma’s education resources (https://www.figma.com/community/tag/teacher/files )to jumpstart your lesson.
3. Invite Students: Click the “Share” button in the top right corner and choose “Anyone with the link” with “Can edit” permissions for collaborative work. Share the link with your students for them to access the board.
4. Explore the Tools: FigJam offers a wide range of tools like sticky notes, text boxes, shapes, lines, and even a mind map creator. Let your students explore these tools and get creative!

Benefits for Teachers

• Enhanced Engagement: FigJam transforms passive learning into an active experience. Students become co-creators of knowledge, boosting engagement and motivation.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Gone are the days of waiting for turns! With FigJam, students can work together on projects, brainstorm ideas, and provide feedback in real-time, fostering collaboration and communication skills.
• Visual Learning: FigJam allows you to incorporate visuals like images, videos, and mind maps into your lessons,catering to visual learners and making complex topics more accessible.
• Formative Assessment: Observe your students’ thought processes and understanding as they contribute to the FigJam board. It provides valuable insights for formative assessment and personalized learning.
• Differentiation: FigJam allows students to work at their own pace and contribute in different ways. Some can write text, while others can add visuals or organize ideas.
• Organization and Accessibility: FigJam boards are cloud-based, allowing students to access and contribute to their work from anywhere with an internet connection. Version history ensures you can always revert to an earlier version if needed.

Benefits for Students

• Active Participation: FigJam gives students a voice in the classroom. They can share their ideas visually, write down questions, and participate actively in discussions.
• Improved Communication: Students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely as they collaborate and provide feedback to their peers.
• Critical Thinking: FigJam encourages students to brainstorm ideas, analyze information, and organize their thoughts, fostering critical thinking skills.
• Digital Literacy: Using FigJam helps students develop digital literacy skills, preparing them for a technology-driven world.
• Creativity and Fun: The visual and interactive nature of FigJam makes learning more engaging and enjoyable.

Overcoming Challenges

While FigJam offers a wealth of benefits, there are also some challenges to consider:

• Learning Curve: There’s a slight learning curve for both teachers and students. Take some time to explore the tools and features before diving into a lesson.
• Technical Difficulties: Ensure all students have reliable internet access and devices that support FigJam.
• Staying Focused: The open-ended nature of FigJam can sometimes lead to students going off track. Set clear expectations and provide prompts to keep them focused.

Conclusion

FigJam is a powerful tool that can transform your classroom into a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. With its engaging features and free access for educators, it’s a game-changer for fostering creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills in your students. So, embrace the digital whiteboard and watch your classroom come alive with collaborative learning!