This article introduces the "Class Whiteboard" view, accessible via the Views Tabs section. When selected, it will load the classroom whiteboard into the main panel. This tab will only appear if there is classroom whiteboard activity taking place. Below is a visual example of the Class Whiteboard view:
As the tab's name implies, this is the view you can use to see the classroom whiteboard, where class participants can draw items onto a shared canvas.
The majority of the page will be occupied by the canvas, while a left-hand bar is provided that contains drawing instruments and other tools. Below, we will go over all the tools provided in the left-hand bar:
- Select Object - This tool will allow you to select objects on the canvas and interact with them, such as moving, resizing, and deleting them.
- Pan - Represented by the hand icon, this tool lets you navigate the canvas. Click and drag while selected to pan across the workspace.
- Add Shape - Selecting this will expand a menu, offering several shapes you can select to be added to the canvas.
- Drawing - Select this to expand a menu, offering either a Brush or Pencil option for freehand drawing on the canvas.
- Highlighter - Select this to activate the highlighter tool.
- Add Text - Select this to add text to the canvas.
- Add Formula - Select this to add formulas to the canvas. You can key in the formula directly or use the on-screen keyboard to look for specific symbols.
- Add Note - Select this to add a sticky note to the canvas.
- Add File - Use this to upload a file to the canvas. Supported file types typically include images and documents. Once uploaded, the file will appear as a generic icon that others can download. To download it, make sure the "Select Object" tool is enabled, then double-click the file icon. For example, here’s how a PDF file looks when added using this tool:
- Add Image - Use this to upload an image to the canvas. Unlike the "Add File" tool, the image will be displayed in full rather than as a generic icon. Here’s an example of how an uploaded image of a zebra appears on the canvas:
- Color - Select this to set the color associated with any objects where color is applicable, such as drawing and highlighting.
- Remove Object - To delete an object, select it and then click this. Alternatively, you can hit Delete on your keyboard.
- Undo My Last Action - Click this to undo your last action.
- Clear Board - Click this to delete all objects. This tool is only available to Instructors and TAs.
- Settings - Click this to open the settings menu. This menu is only available to Instructors and TAs. Below are the settings options available:
- Restrict Editing to Staff - Enable this to limit editing of the whiteboard to Instructors and TAs. The rest of the class participants will still see the canvas and any changes made to it, they just won't be able to participate. When starting a Class Whiteboard, this option will be disabled, by default, allowing all participants to instantly interact with the canvas.
- Download Screenshot - This will take a screenshot of the whiteboard and download it to your computer.
Lastly, please see the below tips regarding usage of the Class Whiteboard:
- The canvas is quite expansive, so it's easy to lose your bearings. If you pan too far from the starting area, you might have trouble navigating back to where others are working--and they may not see your contributions either.
- If you are using a small display, some of the toolbar buttons may be consolidated into other buttons. If you feel there should be tools available to you, but you are not seeing them, please look for any buttons that expand into a dropdown to see if they are nested within there.
- To help manage your view, use the Zoom In and Zoom Out buttons located in the top-right corner of the screen. These controls can make it easier to stay oriented as you move around the whiteboard.
- Next to the zoom controls is a "Stop Whiteboard" button, visible only to Instructors and TAs. Click this to end the activity.