Figjam
- Jan 7
- 2 min read
By Amber Moore, Shugart Elementary
In today’s classrooms, collaboration and creativity are essential skills that need to be incorporated into our learning environments. Enter FigJam (think Jamboard), Figma’s online whiteboard tool that’s transforming how teachers and students engage with ideas. Whether you're teaching RLA, Math, Science, or Social Studies, FigJam offers an intuitive space for thinking and working together. Figjam is an interactive tool that teachers, ISTs, and admin can use to help bring in collaboration and tech to lessons and PD.
How can I use it?
Interactive Learning: Students can brainstorm, map concepts, and solve problems together in real time
Brainstorming & Idea Mapping: Utilize sticky notes and drawing tools for collaborative brainstorming, concept mapping, or project planning.
Graphic Organizers: Create timelines, character maps, or cause-and-effect diagrams in RLA and social Studies.
Problem Solving in STEM: Visualize math problems, annotate scientific processes, or model systems like ecosystems or the periodic table.
Collaboration Made Easy: Multiple students can work on the same board simultaneously, whether in class or remotely.
Getting Started:
To get logged in, navigate to https://www.figma.com/figjam/ and click “Get Started for Free. From there, you will click “Continue with Google” and use your GISD Google account to sign in. Once you are signed in, you’ll have access to tons of templates to incorporate into your lessons.
Key Features in FigJam:
Sticky Notes: Color-coded notes for brainstorming and feedback
Voice Memos: Record and embed audio clips directly on the board
Drawing Tools: Freehand marker for labeling, sketching, and annotating
Sections: Organize content into pages or activity zones
Stamps & Emotes: Quick reactions to ideas using emojis or profile pics
Live Collaboration: Multiple users can interact simultaneously
Best Practices for FigJam:
Do This
Model the Tools: Show students how to use stamps, stickies, and voice memosand model your expectations
Use Sections: Keep boards organized and guide students through tasks
Embed Instructions: Record voice memos so students can replay directions anytime (Great for station directions!)
Avoid This
Overcrowding the Canvas: Too many elements can overwhelm students—use sections to declutter
Skipping Navigation Basics: Teach students how to pan and zoom to avoid frustration
Ignoring Accessibility: Make sure colors and fonts are readable for all learners
Explore Figma’s Classroom Tools for templates and tutorials
Try a simple FigJam activity like a “What I Learned Today” sticky wall
Invite students to co-create their own boards for projects or reflections
Tutorials:
FigJam is more than a whiteboard—it’s a platform for deeper engagement, creativity, and collaboration in your classroom. FigJam offers teachers in GISD innovative ways to present and engage with the curriculum this year.
I used AI for brainstorming only and crafted the content myself.
