Fostering Creativity & Collaboration with Freeform
Brief Abstract
Freeform is a new, built-in Apple app that takes digital whiteboarding to a whole new level! In this workshop, participants will learn how to use Freeform as a tool for creative expression and collaboration. Please bring an iPad that is upgraded to iPadOS 17 or higher and signed in with your Apple ID.
Presenters
Extended Abstract
Topic & Relevance: Digital whiteboarding platforms have become popular tools for brainstorming, planning, collaboration, and more! They allow users to easily generate ideas, organize information, plan for upcoming events, and share resources with others. In this workshop, we will explore Apple’s new digital whiteboarding app, Freeform. Participants will learn how they can leverage the built-in drawing, sticky note, shapes, text, and media tools within Freeform to foster creativity and collaboration. We will also discuss practical ideas for how Freeform can be used for teaching and learning. If you are a faculty member, instructional support specialist, or student who is interested in learning how to leverage Freeform for creative expression, brainstorming, planning, and collaboration, this session is for you!
Note: This is a hands-on workshop, and the facilitator will use an iPad to demonstrate the process. To follow along with the activities, participants should have their iPad fully charged and ready to use. Participants will need to upgrade their iPad to the latest operating system (iPadOS 17 or higher) and be signed in with their Apple ID before the session begins. This session is ideal for those who are comfortable with the basics of navigating and using an iPad.
Session Timeline & Interactivity: The session will proceed as follows:
(5 min.)- I will briefly introduce myself and share the session agenda and outcomes. I will also provide an overview of the iPad tools we will be using today, and guide participants in adjusting one of the device settings.
*The remainder of this session will be hands-on, with participants following along on their iPads as we create a sample digital whiteboard together in Freeform.*
(45 min.)- I will guide participants through the step-by-step process for creating and using digital whiteboards in Freeform. This will include how to add text, sticky notes, shapes, media (such as photos and videos), links, drawings, and much more. Along the way, participants will learn helpful tips and tricks for customizing the content in Freeform, and they will gain firsthand experience with how the tools allow for creative expression.
(5 min.)- I will demonstrate the collaboration features of Freeform.
(5 min.)- We will discuss practical ideas for how Freeform can be used for teaching and learning.
(15 min.)- Participants will have “sandbox time,” where they will apply what they have learned by creating a new Freeform board independently. During this time, I will be available to answer questions and provide additional support. Afterwards, participants will be invited to upload a screenshot of their Freeform board to Padlet so that we can view and comment on each other’s creations.
(5 min.) Participants will create an action plan for how they will use Freeform in the future.
(10 min.)- I will provide additional resources, obtain feedback, and answer any remaining questions.
Learning Outcomes: The goals for this session are that participants will be able to:
(1) Describe how to create digital whiteboards in Freeform.
(2) Use the built-in tools to express themselves in creative ways.
(3) Describe how to share Freeform boards and collaborate with others.
(4) Plan ways to incorporate Freeform into future teaching and learning activities.