What is it?

A digital whiteboard is an interactive, virtual canvas that allows users to write, draw, and collaborate in real-time. It’s a digital version of the traditional classroom whiteboard, but with enhanced features and accessibility. Enhanced features may include various drawing and writing tools, shape and line tools, image and file upload, templates, annotations, screen sharing, sticky notes, and more.

Why is this useful?

There may be a number of ways you would find a digital whiteboard useful for your course. Some potential advantages:

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Digital whiteboards facilitate real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to contribute simultaneously, regardless of their physical location. This is particularly beneficial in settings where group projects and peer learning are emphasized.
  • Persistent Content: Unlike traditional whiteboards, digital versions allow ideas and discussions to be saved, revisited, and shared after the session ends. This feature supports asynchronous learning and review.
  • Multimedia Integration: Many digital whiteboards enable easy incorporation of images, videos, and other digital content into presentations and discussions, enriching the learning experience.
  • Flexible Learning Spaces: These tools support both in-person and remote learning environments when needed.
  • Increased Engagement: Interactive features of digital whiteboards can boost student participation and retention.
  • Accessibility: Digital tools can provide additional support for students with diverse learning needs, such as zoom features for visually impaired students or text-to-speech for auditory learners.

How do I use it at Carleton?

As of January 2026, Carleton supports two Digital Whiteboard tools: Zoom Whiteboard and Adobe Express.

Adobe: Once you activate your Adobe License and have signed in, you can easily collaborate on a variety of project types.

Zoom: Visit out Zoom Whiteboard Knowledgebase article. Note: Zoom licenses will be reduced during 2026 as we encourage use of Google Meet, the preferred tool for video conferencing.

In addition to Zoom and Adobe Express, there are a many other options for digital whiteboard spaces, which will be linked below. Many of these have free versions, or EDU versions that have many of the advanced features available in a limited context. Please keep in mind that these are not supported by Carleton. You (the user) would be the point-of-contact for that particular software, and any technical help would need to be accessed through the third-party vendor by the user. Here is a short list of some of the more popular whiteboards: