Google Jamboard

Google Jamboard is probably the simplest and most intuitive of all the mainline participative whiteboards. What it lacks in features it makes up for in ease of use.

Minimal but well chosen options mean that the ‘next step’ is far more obvious to participants. And they can easily pick it up as they go.

As a result, you can get people started with just a few words of introduction. Then let them work the rest out for themselves.

Of course, as the leader, you may need to know a bit more in order to answer their questions. And to ensure your confidence in leading the session. But this can be picked up in just 5 minutes using this free training Jamboard.

It is easy for you to create a new board, share the link, and invite your team. And it is easy for them to create a pile of ideas by clicking the sticky note icon on the left. Then to use their mouse to drag the ideas into patterns.

And the training Jamboard also includes some easy to use templates and timers to get you and your group started quickly.

The work area may be small  but you can create different pages for different exercises, or for different breakout groups, and then walk people through the results.

At some point your emerging whiteboard proficiency and aspirations will outgrow Google Jamboard. But there are plenty of more powerful alternatives. And by then you will have a group of people who recognise the benefits and are happy to invest 15 minutes in learning the additional tools.