Top 10 Online Whiteboard Tools for Teaching in 2025

iDste
·2025.04.09
Blog
Top 10 Online Whiteboard Tools for Teaching in 2025
Image Source: pexels

Teaching has come a long way, and online whiteboards are now game-changers in education. These tools make learning interactive and fun. Did you know that 9.2% of educators believe online whiteboards boost engagement? With features like real-time collaboration and multimedia support, they encourage teamwork and spark creativity in students. Plus, they’re perfect for explaining concepts visually. Whether you’re teaching math or art, an online whiteboard for teaching can make your lessons more dynamic and effective.

Key Takeaways

  • Online whiteboards help students work together and stay interested. They make lessons more fun and interactive.

  • Pick tools that let students work together live and save work online. This makes it easy to use in any classroom.

  • Try free online whiteboards first to see what they offer. Then decide if you need a paid version.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Online Whiteboard for Teaching

Real-Time Collaboration

When teaching, you want your students to stay engaged and work together seamlessly. Real-time collaboration is a must-have feature in any online whiteboard for teaching. It allows students to interact with the board simultaneously, fostering teamwork and communication. For example:

  • Students can brainstorm ideas together.

  • Group activities become more dynamic and interactive.

  • Leadership skills develop as students take turns guiding discussions.

Research shows that tools with real-time collaboration improve classroom dynamics by encouraging critical thinking and deeper understanding.

Cloud Integration and Accessibility

Imagine having all your teaching materials available anytime, anywhere. That’s the magic of cloud integration. Online whiteboards with cloud accessibility let you store lessons securely and access them instantly. Plus, they’re perfect for hybrid classrooms. According to studies, cloud-based tools improve productivity and offer scalability, making them ideal for schools of all sizes.

Feature/Benefit

Description

Real-time Collaboration

Enables interactive conversations and progress monitoring.

Immediate Access

Ensures everyone has instant access to materials without delays.

Scalability and Flexibility

Adapts to the needs of both small and large classrooms.

Ease of Use for Educators and Students

You don’t want to spend hours figuring out how to use a tool. That’s why ease of use is crucial. Teachers report that interactive whiteboards simplify lesson planning and classroom management. Most students, regardless of age, find these tools easy to use. Features like intuitive interfaces and quick login methods make teaching smoother and more enjoyable.

Compatibility with Other Teaching Tools

Your online whiteboard should work well with other tools you already use. For instance, platforms like Miro integrate seamlessly with Blackboard Learn, making it easier to track participation and assessments. However, some tools, like Google Jamboard, may require manual adjustments.

Grouped bar chart comparing whiteboard tools on integration and assessment capabilities

Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability

Budget matters, especially for schools. Look for tools that offer free or affordable plans without compromising on features. Scalable options are also important, as they grow with your classroom’s needs. Cloud-based solutions often provide the best balance of cost and functionality, making them a smart choice for educators.

Top 10 Online Whiteboard Tools for Teaching in 2025

Miro: The Best Overall Online Whiteboard

If you’re looking for a versatile tool, Miro is a top choice. It’s packed with features that make teaching interactive and fun. You can create mind maps, flowcharts, or even group projects. Miro’s real-time collaboration lets your students work together seamlessly. Plus, it integrates with tools like Google Drive and Microsoft Teams. Whether you’re teaching in-person or online, Miro adapts to your needs.

ClickUp Whiteboards: Ideal for Project Planning

ClickUp Whiteboards are perfect if you want to teach project management skills. This tool helps you organize tasks visually. You can assign roles, set deadlines, and track progress all in one place. It’s a great way to teach students how to manage their time and responsibilities. The drag-and-drop interface makes it super easy to use, even for younger students.

Zoom Whiteboard: Best for Remote Video Calls

Zoom Whiteboard is a lifesaver for remote teaching. It combines video calls with a built-in whiteboard, so you can explain concepts while seeing your students’ reactions. You can draw, write, or even add sticky notes during your lessons. It’s simple to use and keeps everyone engaged, no matter where they are.

Explain Everything: Best for Teaching Purposes

Explain Everything lives up to its name. This tool is designed specifically for educators. You can record your lessons, annotate slides, and even add voiceovers. It’s like having a virtual classroom at your fingertips. Students can also contribute by adding their own notes or drawings. It’s a fantastic way to make learning more interactive.

FigJam: User-Friendly for Design Teams

FigJam isn’t just for designers—it’s great for classrooms too. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for students to brainstorm and share ideas. You can use FigJam to create diagrams, plan projects, or even play educational games. It’s a fun way to encourage creativity and teamwork.

Onlineboard: Perfect for Basic Whiteboarding Needs

Sometimes, simple is better. Onlineboard offers all the basic features you need in an online whiteboard for teaching. You can draw, write, and share your board with students in real-time. It’s lightweight and doesn’t require any complicated setup. If you’re new to online teaching tools, this is a great place to start.

Boardmix: AI-Powered with Free Templates

Boardmix takes whiteboarding to the next level with AI-powered features. It offers free templates for lesson planning, brainstorming, and more. The AI can even suggest ideas based on your input. It’s a time-saver that helps you focus on teaching instead of planning.

Stormboard: Great for Multiple Whiteboards in Brainstorming

Stormboard is ideal for group activities. It lets you create multiple whiteboards for different teams or topics. Students can work on their boards and then share their ideas with the class. It’s a great way to encourage collaboration and critical thinking.

Microsoft Whiteboard: Seamless Integration with Microsoft Tools

If you already use Microsoft tools, this whiteboard is a no-brainer. Microsoft Whiteboard integrates seamlessly with apps like Teams and OneNote. You can share your board during a Teams meeting or save it directly to OneDrive. It’s a reliable option for tech-savvy classrooms.

Ziteboard: Simple and Interactive for Remote Classrooms

Ziteboard is perfect for remote teaching. It’s simple to use and works on any device. You can draw, write, or even upload images to your board. Students can join in real-time, making it easy to stay connected. It’s a straightforward tool that gets the job done.

Comparison of the Top Online Whiteboards for Teaching

Comparison of the Top Online Whiteboards for Teaching
Image Source: pexels

Key Features Comparison

When choosing an online whiteboard, you want to know how they stack up against each other. Here's a quick comparison of their standout features:

Whiteboard Tool

Key Features

Miro

Real-time collaboration, integrations with Google Drive and Teams, templates for teaching.

ClickUp Whiteboards

Task management, drag-and-drop interface, visual project planning.

Zoom Whiteboard

Built-in with video calls, sticky notes, and annotation tools.

Explain Everything

Lesson recording, voiceovers, and interactive slides.

FigJam

User-friendly brainstorming and diagram creation.

Onlineboard

Lightweight, simple drawing and writing tools.

Boardmix

AI-powered suggestions, free templates for lesson planning.

Stormboard

Multiple whiteboards for group brainstorming.

Microsoft Whiteboard

Seamless integration with Teams and OneDrive.

Ziteboard

Device compatibility, real-time interaction, and image uploads.

Each tool brings something unique to the table. Whether you need advanced collaboration or simple drawing tools, there’s an option for you.

Best Use Cases for Each Tool

Different teaching scenarios call for different tools. Here’s how these whiteboards shine in specific situations:

Use Case

Description

Onboarding Process

Create a welcome board with personalized messages and an overview of classroom rules or expectations.

Interactive Training Sessions

Turn lessons into interactive experiences with embedded quizzes and polls.

Creating Learning Modules

Collaboratively design lesson plans and storyboards for your curriculum.

Feedback and Reflection Sessions

Use the whiteboard for real-time feedback and group discussions after lessons.

You can also use these tools for:

  • Curriculum Mapping: Plan your lessons to ensure they meet learning objectives.

  • Interactive Presentations: Keep students engaged with quizzes and polls during class.

  • Collaborative Content Creation: Work with students to create projects or study materials.

For example, Miro works well for group projects, while Explain Everything is perfect for recording lessons. Stormboard is ideal for brainstorming multiple ideas at once.

Online whiteboard tools have transformed teaching by making lessons more interactive and engaging. Choosing the right tool depends on your classroom needs and teaching style.

Tip: Start with a free version to explore features before committing to a paid plan.

Experiment with these tools to find the one that works best for you!

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