Jamboard Mind Map
vocabularywritingaccuracycommunicationpracticesmall-grouplow prep20-30 min
Groups collaboratively build a mind map on a shared Jamboard (or Figjam, or Miro) board. Each member uses a different colour. The digital version of Team Word-Webbing, with added media options (images, hyperlinks, annotations).
Procedure
- Teacher creates a Jamboard frame with a central concept in the middle. Shares link.
- Groups of 3–5 join the same frame. Each member picks a sticky-note colour.
- Simultaneous contribution (5–8 min): each member adds sticky notes radiating from the centre.
- Connect (3 min): members draw lines between related notes.
- Cluster and label (5 min): group decides on sub-categories and labels them.
- Gallery: each group presents their map to another group.
Why It Works
- True simultaneous collaboration: no waiting for turns as in a physical board.
- Visual + verbal: sticky notes reveal both what was said and who said it (colour).
- Persistent artefact: the Jamboard lives after class; students can revisit it.
- Remote-capable: hybrid and online classes can do this identically.
Board Setup Ideas
| Central concept | Branching direction |
|---|---|
| A current unit topic | Vocabulary, causes, effects, examples |
| A novel or story | Characters, setting, themes, key events |
| A debate question | For, Against, Both sides, Unknown |
| A project plan | Who, What, When, Where, Why, How |
| A vocabulary root | Prefixes, suffixes, related words, collocations |
Variations
- Post-reading map: after reading a text, groups build a map of what they remember. Reveals comprehension gaps.
- Living map: same frame used across multiple lessons; each session adds new colour of notes.
- Interactive gallery: groups swap frames midway and add to each other's maps.
- Video-annotated: include a YouTube link on a note; peers watch and respond.
Tips
- Pre-assign sticky colours so contribution-by-student is traceable.
- Require a minimum note count per member (e.g., 4 notes each) to prevent lurking.
- Screenshot the finished board for student notebooks.
- Moderate digital-native students: 1:1 device-to-student is ideal. Sharing devices slows contribution.
Source
Google for Education resources on Jamboard (being superseded by Google Drawings / Figjam partnerships). Practitioner documentation in BookWidgets and Ditch That Textbook.