Twiddla— An online whiteboard for modern classroom

An accessible and convenient platform significantly matters for online teaching. Here I would like to introduce a modern classroom for EFL practitioners: TWIDDLA! (Link: Twiddla)

(website screenshot of TWIDDLA)

How to use TWIDDLA

You can join the public board to start your class teamwork without creating an account.

(website screenshot of TWIDDLA)

After opening it, everyone can edit it by drawing a mind map or typing the text. This is particularly useful to start remote teaching for those who are separated in different places. It is just like a big chat room. All of your students can freely speak out their ideas!

(website screenshot of TWIDDLA) 

If you want to make your online communication a private one, you'd better create your account (free trial for 30 days!) and click the green 'GO' button to establish your own room. If you set it as a private room, the members who want to join the room should use your invitation link and input the password.

(website screenshot of TWIDDLA) 

Here is a sample of our group.

When to use TWIDDLA

The basic purpose of language teaching is communication. Only if students express (speak out) their ideas, can teachers give them further guidance. However, many of my students aren't active enough in the class. They are not willing to communicate partly because they are afraid to make mistakes (They think their foolish answers might arouse ridicule) or they are introverted and shy to express their opinions in public. Thus, just like Greg Kessler (2013) said:

Focusing more on the social nature of information sharing and less on traditional formal aspects of education can promote more participation.

Here, teachers can use TWIDDLA to start some online discussions and brainstorm to realize this real-time interaction. Students behind the screen might feel safer and be more likely to show their true feelings. Teachers can monitor the process and give them proper instructions. I didn't use TWIDDLA in my past teaching, but I used some other online platforms. I noticed that this is especially popular with junior students and was surprised to see some of my students who seldom expressed themselves in the offline class, were full of imagination and fantastic ideas!

Teachers can also use TWIDDLA to teach writing. It is common to accept that writing is essentially a social process. Both peer guidance and teachers' tutors in the interaction all matter, which will promote one's writing ability. My students will like this way of learning writing since everyone will be the teacher to make notes on the posted writing.

Why to use TWIDDLA

TWIDDLA is also a practical tool to develop students' spirit of cooperation. Knowing how to collaborate with others will maximize the benefits of a team. Greg Kessler (2013) also suggested that:

Creating opportunities for students to assume roles outside their comfort zone can help them develop the necessary skills. For example, those who are normally inclined to dominate discussion can be assigned the role of note-taker and those who are less inclined to acknowledge or pay attention to their peers can be given the role of manager or synthesizer, requiring them to actively involve all members of a group.

Teachers can use TWIDDLA to create such an environment to push students to engage in every group task.

Limitations

Although TWIDDLA provides us with a platform for online communication, frankly speaking, all of our group members think this software is not convenient to use.😂
Firstly, the prerequisite of efficient online communication is that you have a stable network!!! Don't underestimate it!
Secondly, this tool will close automatically after 20 minutes. So， remember to control your time and save your work timely!
Thirdly, I highly recommend you use it on your computers since the 'Texting' is not available on your iPad or phone.

Further explanation about TWIDDLA

If you want to learn more about TWIDDLA, you can watch the following video.

Enjoy your English learning trip! Have fun!