10.1 Handwriting Online Tools
Many instructors write extensively on whiteboards and chalkboards as part of the classroom teaching process, but what is the best way for you to take this process online? Faculty and staff from across Northwestern came together to share overviews of remote handwriting tools they use in their own courses. The tools listed below vary from high tech, high fidelity technologies to cheap hacks that both instructors and students can use. While this is not a comprehensive list of available tools, it should help you begin to explore the right handwriting solutions for your remote or hybrid classroom. If you'd like a more general introduction to Handwriting Online, please see our Handwriting Online overview page.
Please note that these videos were created during a live event in March 2021. During the presentations and Q&As, presenters and moderators may reference additional tools or resources. We have provided additional links when possible.
Main Presentations
- Cameras and Chalkboard
- Drawing Tablets and OneNote
- Handwritten Feedback in Canvas Assignments
- Student Notation and Collaboration in Miro
Small Group Discussions
Cameras and Chalkboard
Presenter: Franz Geiger, Professor of Chemistry, Chair- Division of Physical Chemistry
Overview: Classrooms can be setup with cameras and lights to allow students to remotely view chalkboards in real-time.
Additional Resources: Guide to Recording Lectures by Franz Geiger Download Guide to Recording Lectures by Franz Geiger
Drawing Tablets and OneNote
Presenter: James Hambleton, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Louis Berger Junior Professor
Overview: Drawing tablets can be used for high quality annotation and shared through Zoom and Panopto.
Handwritten Feedback in Canvas Assignments
Presenter: Noriko Taira Yasohama, Professor of Instruction in Asian Languages and Cultures, Director of Language Programs
Overview: With an iPad or tablet, instructors can provide handwritten feedback on student submissions that are uploaded to Canvas.
Additional Resources: Guide to Handwritten Feedback on Canvas Noriko Taira Yasohama Download Guide to Handwritten Feedback on Canvas Noriko Taira Yasohama
Student Notation and Collaboration in Miro
Presenter: Rachel Goc, Learning Engineer, Teaching & Learning Technologies, Northwestern IT
Overview: Miro is an online tool that allows for real-time student annotation and collaboration.
Small Group Discussion Presentations
Top Apps
Presenter: Matthew Taylor, Media and Design Studio Director
Cheap Hacks
Presenter: Cecile-Anne Sison, Instructional Technology Lead, WCAS Media and Design Studio
Lightboard at Home
Presenter: Sasha Tchekhovskoy, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics & Astronomy
Other lightboard resources at Northwestern
Lightboard Open Source Information Links to an external site.