Microsoft Whiteboard

Microsoft Whiteboard is a versatile tool that can greatly support the teaching strategy of Formative Assessment. With Whiteboard, teachers can engage students in collaborative brainstorming sessions, allowing them to contribute ideas and demonstrate their understanding of a topic. The digital whiteboard provides a platform for students to create concept maps, visual representations, and diagrams, showcasing their comprehension and identifying connections between ideas. Teachers can facilitate group discussions using Whiteboard, observing and assessing student participation and providing timely feedback. Additionally, Whiteboard enables teachers to create formative quizzes and interactive activities, allowing for real-time assessment and immediate feedback. By leveraging Microsoft Whiteboard, teachers can enhance the formative assessment process, promote student engagement and reflection, and gather valuable insights into student understanding.

Low Risk - Use Responsibly

Year Level Suitability Rating

Developmental Considerations

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Potential Uses

Microsoft Whiteboard can be used to enhance Formative Assessment in the classroom.

Collaborative Brainstorming

Microsoft Whiteboard allows students to collaborate and brainstorm ideas together. Teachers can pose open-ended questions or prompts related to the topic being assessed, and students can contribute their ideas on the digital whiteboard. This formative assessment activity encourages critical thinking, creativity, and active participation.

Visual Representations

Microsoft Whiteboard allows students to create visual representations of their learning. Students can use the drawing tools, shapes, and images available in the whiteboard to create diagrams, charts, or illustrations that showcase their understanding. Teachers can assess these visual representations to gauge student comprehension and identify any misconceptions.

Concept Mapping

Microsoft Whiteboard provides a platform for students to create concept maps or mind maps to demonstrate their understanding of a topic. Students can visually organize and connect concepts, demonstrating their comprehension and identifying relationships between ideas. Teachers can assess these concept maps to gain insights into student understanding and identify areas for further instruction.

Formative Quizzes

Teachers can use Microsoft Whiteboard to create formative quizzes or interactive activities. They can add multiple-choice questions, matching exercises, or fill-in-the-blank activities directly on the whiteboard. Students can respond to these questions or complete the activities using the drawing tools or text boxes. Teachers can assess student responses in real-time, providing immediate feedback and identifying areas that require further instruction.

Group Discussions

Microsoft Whiteboard can be used to facilitate group discussions as a formative assessment strategy. Teachers can divide students into groups and assign them specific discussion topics or questions. Students can use the digital whiteboard to collaborate, share their thoughts, and present their findings. Teachers can observe and assess the quality of student discussions, providing feedback and guidance as needed.

Peer Feedback

Microsoft Whiteboard enables students to provide peer feedback on each other's work. Students can use the drawing tools or text boxes to provide constructive comments, suggestions, or praise on their classmates' contributions. This peer feedback process promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and self-reflection.

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COGNITIVE

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SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL

Accessibility Features

Touch and Pen Support: Whiteboard supports touch and pen input, allowing individuals with physical disabilities to interact with the digital whiteboard using their preferred input method.

Keyboard Shortcuts: Whiteboard provides keyboard shortcuts for various functions, enabling individuals with physical disabilities who may have difficulty using a mouse or touch input to navigate and interact with the application.

Magnification: Whiteboard allows users to zoom in and out, providing individuals with physical disabilities the ability to view and interact with content at a comfortable level.

Text Tools: Whiteboard provides text tools that allow users to add text boxes, type, and format text, making it easier for individuals with cognitive disabilities to read and understand the content.

Ink-to-Text Conversion: Whiteboard can convert handwritten ink into text, making it more accessible for individuals with cognitive disabilities who may have difficulty reading or understanding handwriting.

Templates: Whiteboard offers templates that provide structure and organization, helping individuals with cognitive disabilities to better comprehend and organize information.

High Contrast Mode: Whiteboard offers a high contrast mode, making it easier for individuals with visual impairments or sensitivity to bright light to view and interact with the content.

Screen Reader Support: Whiteboard is compatible with screen readers, enabling individuals with visual impairments to access the content through audio feedback.

Closed Captioning: Whiteboard supports closed captioning, providing individuals with hearing impairments access to the spoken content during collaborative sessions or recorded videos.

Collaborative Activities: Whiteboard allows for collaborative activities, providing opportunities for students with social anxiety or difficulties to engage with their peers in a supportive and inclusive environment. They can participate in group discussions, share ideas, and work together on projects.

Visual Expression: Whiteboard's digital inking feature allows students to express themselves visually, which can be beneficial for those with difficulties in verbal communication or expressing emotions. They can use drawings, symbols, or colors to convey their thoughts and feelings.

Structured Organization: Whiteboard's templates and organization tools can help students with anxiety or executive functioning challenges to structure their thoughts and tasks. They can use the templates to create visual schedules, mind maps, or to-do lists, providing a sense of structure and reducing anxiety.

Making Functional Adjustments

PHYSICAL ADJUSTMENTS

Digital Accessibility: Teachers can ensure that Whiteboard is accessible to students with physical disabilities by providing options for touch, pen, or keyboard input, based on individual needs and abilities.
Collaborative Tools: Whiteboard enables students with physical disabilities to actively participate in collaborative formative assessment activities by providing a digital platform where they can contribute ideas, share their thoughts, and collaborate with peers without physical barriers.
Adaptive Devices: Teachers can integrate adaptive devices, such as touchscreens, styluses, or alternative input devices, to enhance accessibility and accommodate students with physical disabilities in using Whiteboard effectively.

SENSORY ADJUSTMENTS

Visual Enhancements: Teachers can adjust the color contrast, font size, or use high-contrast mode in Whiteboard to accommodate students with visual impairments or sensitivity to light during formative assessment activities.
Closed Captioning: Teachers can provide closed captioning for any audio or video content shared on Whiteboard, ensuring accessibility for students with hearing impairments during formative assessment activities.
Multisensory Engagement: Teachers can incorporate multimedia elements, such as images, videos, or audio recordings, into the Whiteboard to engage students with sensory disabilities and provide multiple modalities for accessing information during formative assessment activities.

COGNITIVE ADJUSTMENTS

Simplified Instructions: Teachers can provide clear and concise instructions on the Whiteboard, breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps to support students with cognitive disabilities in understanding and completing formative assessment activities.
Visual Organization: Teachers can use Whiteboard's templates, shapes, and drawing tools to visually organize information, helping students with cognitive disabilities to comprehend and navigate the content more effectively.
Multimodal Learning: Teachers can incorporate visual elements, such as images, icons, or color-coding, into the Whiteboard to support students with cognitive disabilities in understanding and retaining information.

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL ADJUSTMENTS

Collaborative Support: Teachers can create a supportive and inclusive environment on the Whiteboard by encouraging peer collaboration, providing opportunities for positive feedback, and fostering a sense of community among students with social/emotional disabilities during formative assessment activities.
Visual Expression: Whiteboard allows students to visually express their thoughts and emotions through drawings, symbols, or annotations, providing an outlet for self-expression and communication for students with social/emotional disabilities.
Flexible Learning Environment: Teachers can use Whiteboard to provide a flexible learning environment, allowing students with social/emotional disabilities to access the Whiteboard remotely, providing a comfortable and familiar space for learning and engagement.

Support for Universal Design for Learning

Multiple Means of Representation

Microsoft Whiteboard provides various tools and features that support multiple means of representation, allowing teachers to present information in different formats to cater to diverse learner needs. Teachers can use visual elements, such as images, diagrams, or videos, on the Whiteboard to enhance understanding and engage students with different learning styles. They can also incorporate text, audio, and closed captioning to provide multiple modalities for accessing information, ensuring that students can comprehend and engage with the content in ways that work best for them.

Multiple Means of Engagement

Microsoft Whiteboard promotes multiple means of engagement by providing a flexible and interactive learning environment. Teachers can design formative assessment activities on the Whiteboard that cater to different interests, preferences, and levels of challenge, ensuring that students are motivated and engaged in the learning process. The collaborative nature of Whiteboard allows for peer interaction, feedback, and social learning, fostering a sense of community and promoting active engagement among students.

Multiple Means of Expression

Microsoft Whiteboard offers a range of tools and functionalities that support multiple means of action and expression, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding and express their ideas in various ways. Students can use the digital inking feature to draw, annotate, or write on the Whiteboard, providing a means for creative expression and communication. They can also use text boxes, shapes, and multimedia elements to create visual representations, collaborate with peers, and actively participate in formative assessment activities.