What is Whiteboarding?

Whiteboarding is the ability to mark-up, annotate and draw in real-time on any document, image, screen, slide or picture appearing on the screen.

It is to be noted that in the academic world, digital whiteboards that posses digital capabilities have been an increasingly popular stable of the modern classroom.

What it is being referred to here it is whiteboarding done online, with other people that are connecting at a distance and in which the ability to mark-up, annotate and draw on screen can be as useful as when needing to communicate visually in a physical classroom.

According to Wikipedia: "Whiteboarding is a term used to describe the placement of shared files on an on-screen "shared notebook" or "whiteboard"."

Whiteboarding tools are often integral part of many web conferencing, presentation and onlien collaboration tools. From WebEx to iVocalize, most full-featured conferencing tools include some form of whiteboard and associated toolset.

There is also another group of whiteboarding technologies more appropriately called "screen annotation tools", that work independently of any specific application and can be used to annotate and mark-up anything that is shown on the screen.

Photo credit: Vyew

The typical features of Whiteboarding

Whiteboarding and live annotation tools can be divided into two main categories:
traditional conferencing whiteboards and application-independent screen annotation tools.

Traditional conferencing whiteboards share many similarities with the original Microsoft NetMeeting whiteboard facility and only recently some companies have started to look into revising and innovating that original whiteboarding approach.

The main limitation of traditional whiteboarding facilities is that they have been largely designed by technical developers who had no knowledge or awareness of effective visual communication principles and usability rules.

The end result has been a long crop of web conferencing tools integrating a feature set not serving the presenter in effectively annotating and marking up the material being presented. The major limitations have always been the rudeness of the annotation marks generated by these tools as well as the lack of more appropriate and intuitive annotation devices.

Application-independent screen annotation tools have generally been better in this respect as most of them have been born out of training and educational needs.

The typical toolset making up a whiteboarding facility generally includes:

1. Freehand drawing


2. Line drawing


3. Empty rectangle and ellipse


4. Real-time pointer - laser pointer


5. Marker with preset symbols


6. Arrow - pointer


7. Highlighter - emphasizer


8. Numbered marker


9. Spotlight


10. Text tool


11. Eraser (individual - global)


12. Fill Color choice


13. Line thickness

The key functions available to the user should normally include:

• Import an existing picture


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application


• Multiple simultaneous whiteboards

Other relevant functions that may be included are:

• Saving/Loading annotations


• Hide/Display annotations at will


• Edit and move each individual annotation element


• Interactivity among multiple users*

(*Recent whiteboarding tools offer the possibility to have multiple users (at a distance) take advantage of these tools simultaneously offering the opportunity to collaboratively interact with the material being presented.)

The original Microsoft NetMeeting whiteboard feature set included the ability to:

• Review, create, and update graphic information.


• Manipulate contents by clicking, dragging, and dropping information on the whiteboard with the mouse.


• Cut, copy and paste information from any Windows-based application into the Whiteboard.


• Use different-colored pointers to easily differentiate participants' comments.
  
• Save the Whiteboard contents for future reference.


• Load saved Whiteboard pages, enabling you to prepare information before a conference, then drag and drop it into the Whiteboard during a meeting.

(Source: Microsoft NetMeeting)

The most popular Whiteboarding Tools

Here is a list of the most popular tools dedicated to whiteboarding and live annotations, which provides information on the features of each item. This list does not claim to be exhaustive, therefore we welcome any suggestions that you will leave in the comments. The whiteboarding tools that we want to present to you can be filed under two major categories: web-based and software-based.

Web-based Whiteboarding Tools

Vyew

Vyew is a web-based screen sharing and live annotation tool. Its features include live desktop sharing, whiteboard and the capability to present files to your audience from whatever platform, since you only need a compatible browser. Vyew users are provided a unique teleconferencing bridge number that all presenters and attendees can call into. This is a free teleconferencing service (callers only pay for the toll, if any).The current version is free to use.
http://www.vyew.com

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: YES


• Marker with preset symbols: YES


• Arrow - pointer: YES


• Highlighter - emphasizer: YES


• Numbered marker: YES


• Spotlight: N/A


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: YES


• Import an existing picture: YES


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: YES


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: YES


• Hide/Display annotations at will: YES


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: YES


• Price: Free


• Free trial: http://www.vyew.com

Our reviews:

Screen Sharing And Live Annotation Get Better: Vyew
April 5, 2006

Screen Sharing And Live Annotation Make A Step Forward: Vyew 2.0 Pre-Release - Video
September 21, 2006

Depicto

Free web-based whiteboard allows the upload and live annotation of multiple digital images. Very easy to use accomodates unlimited users and up to 4 concurrent chat users. Users can simply show pictures to each other. They also can use drawing and writing tools to design artwork together, postcards for example, while talking about it in a chat window.
http://www.depicto.us/depicto/index.php

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: NO


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: NO


• Highlighter - emphasizer: NO


• Numbered marker: NO


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: YES


• Import an existing picture: YES


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: NO


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: YES


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: YES


• Price: Free


• Free trial: http://www.depicto.us/depicto/index.php

Groupboard

Groupboard is a set of multi-user java applets including whiteboard, chat, message board, games and voice conferencing which you can place on your web page by simply copying a few lines of html code. You can also run Groupboard on your own web server. It can be used for tutoring, distance learning, training.
http://www.groupboard.com/

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: NO


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: NO


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: NO


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: NO


• Highlighter - emphasizer: NO


• Numbered marker: NO


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: NO


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: NO


• Import an existing picture: NO


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: NO


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: YES


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: YES


• Price: Free


• Free trial: http://www.groupboard.com/

ImaginationCubed

ImaginationCubed is a demonstrative collaborative whiteboarding space supported by a live screen recorder. The stunningly simple and minimalist HTML/Flash-based interface disguises what has to be some extremely sophisticated web and communications applications. The tool can be used as easily (possibly more easily) by young kids as by grown-up online co-workers.
http://www.imaginationcubed.com/

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: NO


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: N/A


• Highlighter - emphasizer: NO


• Numbered marker: NO


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: YES


• Import an existing picture: NO


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: NO


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: NO


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: NO


• Price: Free


• Free trial: http://www.imaginationcubed.com/

Our review:

Sketch Out That Idea Online - Together
November 4, 2004

Web Conferencing Tools that integrate effective Whiteboarding and live annotation capabilities

PresenterNet

PresenterNet is a tool that allows you to collaborate with customers and colleagues on the web to present sales information, hold training sessions and conduct interactive meetings over the internet. PresenterNet also integrates a interactive two-way whiteboard that you can use at your convenience.
http://www.presenternet.com

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: NO


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: YES


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: YES


• Highlighter - emphasizer: NO


• Numbered marker: NO


• Spotlight: YES


• Text tool: NO


• Eraser (individual - global): NO


• Undo: NO


• Import an existing picture: NO


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: NO


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: NO


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: YES


• Price: $19.95


• Free trial: http://www.presenternet.com

iVocalize

iVocalize enables interactive web conference meetings for today's distributed workforce, online seminars, e-Learning classrooms and presentations to an audience spanning the globe. iVocalize also integrates good set of annotations tools, full whiteboard, and ability to let all attendees interact live with these tools
http://www.ivocalize.com/

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: YES


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: NO


• Highlighter - emphasizer: YES


• Numbered marker: NO


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: NO


• Import an existing picture: YES


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: YES


• Hiding desktop icons: YES


• Saving/Loading annotations: NO


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: YES


• Interactivity among multiple users: NO


• Price: From $20/month(5 users) to $1200/month(1000 users)


• Free trial: http://www.ivocalize.com/

Our review:

How To Record Audio Interviews Online: SkypeCast vs. iVocalize
December 25, 2004

InstantPresenter

InstantPresenter offers live video and audio web conferencing and webcasting tools with advanced features such as PowerPoint support, live presentation recording and archiving, live polling, screen and desktop sharing, attendance tracking and monitoring, security and much more. A 5 seats OnPoint license (PowerPoint based web conferencing) costs $49. Check out the other subscription plans.
http://www.instantpresenter.com/

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: NO


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: NO


• Highlighter - emphasizer: NO


• Numbered marker: NO


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: NO


• Import an existing picture: NO


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: NO


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: NO


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: NO


• Price: From $49 to $599


• Free trial: http://www.instantpresenter.com/

Convoq

Convoq's products are Flash-based online meeting systems featuring rich media meeting capabilities that include text chat, VoIP audio, video, screen sharing, PowerPoint presentations, record and playback, and now remote desktop control capabilities and whiteboarding.
http://www.convoq.com/

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: NO


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: YES


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: YES


• Highlighter - emphasizer: YES


• Numbered marker: NO


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: NO


• Import an existing picture: NO


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: NO


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: NO


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: NO


• Price: From $495 to $19200


• Free trial: http://www.convoq.com/

Our reviews:

Convoq ASAP

Online Collaboration: Convoq Shares Its Vision
September 24, 2004

Adobe Breeze

Breeze is a rich web communication system deployed using Adobe Flash Player. Your audience can join your Breeze online meetings, training courses and on-demand presentations instantly. Whiteboarding and live annotation capabilities are supported.
http://www.adobe.com/products/breeze/

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: YES


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: YES


• Highlighter - emphasizer: YES


• Numbered marker: NO


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: YES


• Import an existing picture: YES


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: NO


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: NO


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: YES


• Interactivity among multiple users: YES


• Price: From $375/month to $750/month


• Free trial: http://www.adobe.com/products/breeze/

Software-based Whiteboarding Tools

AnnotatePro

AnnotatePro is a slick and professional screen annotation tool for Windows. This software is well engineered, full featured and very easy to use. The full version comes at $19.95. A free trial version of AnnotatePro is available.
http://www.annotatepro.com/

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: NO


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: YES


• Highlighter - emphasizer: NO


• Numbered marker: YES


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: YES


• Import an existing picture: NO


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: YES


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: NO


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: NO


• Price: $19.95


• Free trial: http://www.annotatepro.com/

WinPointer 3

Win Pointer 3 is a Windows only, fully-featured and easy to use real-time screen annotation tool. Key features include the capability to save all or part of an annotated screen to a .jpeg, or to the clipboard, create a script file of annotations to use during a presentation and create multiple layers of annotations, hiding or displaying each layer separately, or together. You can also capture a sequence of screens and actions to an .avi file to record and then playback a series of actions. WinPointer 3 is available for download at $7.97.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1735437,00.asp

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: YES


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: YES


• Highlighter - emphasizer: YES


• Numbered marker: NO


• Spotlight: YES


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: YES


• Import an existing picture: NO


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: YES


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: YES


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: NO


• Price: $74.95


• Free trial: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1735437,00.asp

Pointer (by GenevaLogic)

With Pointer you can annotate text or graphics during lessons with over 20 arrows, highlighters, shapes and spotlights. Get your point across in PowerPoint or any application you are presenting on your screen. Not just a markup tool for your presentations, you can also zoom in and magnify any part of your screen or spotlight a particular object while the rest of the screen is dimmed.
Windows and Mac versions cost $49. Pointer requires download.
http://www.genevalogic.com/index.php?id=pointer-usa

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: YES


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: YES


• Highlighter - emphasizer: YES


• Numbered marker: YES


• Spotlight: YES


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: NO


• Import an existing picture: YES


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: YES


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: NO


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: NO


• Price:$49


• Free trial: https://www.instantpresenter.com/register.asp

ActivePen

ActivePen is a Windows only whiteboarding software that can also perform screen-captures. A unique PowerPoint related feature allows not only to annotate on a live slide, but also to control the navigation of slide from within ActivePen. This feature relieves you from the hassle of switching tasks back and forth typical of most screen annotation tools. ActivePen can load any image file and also move, resize, rotate, flip, save, print and anchor the image to any desired position. Integrates spotlight feature and you can toggle between spotlight and original screen at the touch of a key. The ScrollBehind feature allows you to scroll-through many types of windows behind ActivePen by using the mouse wheel.
http://www.kongda.com/products/activepen/default.asp

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: NO


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: YES


• Highlighter - emphasizer: YES


• Numbered marker: NO


• Spotlight: YES


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: YES


• Import an existing picture: YES


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: YES


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: NO


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: NO


• Price: From $20.95 to 29.95


• Free trial: http://www.kongda.com/products/activepen/download.asp

SlideMate

SlideMate is a tool that allows you to annotate on your screen anytime, anywhere, and any application. SlideMate can help you create stunning slideshow, draw a picture with a pencil, make a cool effect on your report or teaching. Windows only. $19.95 per user in 1-200 users. The unlimited users version comes at $2000.
http://www.ypgsoft.com/markpen/index.htm

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: NO


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: NO


• Highlighter - emphasizer: NO


• Numbered marker: NO


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: NO


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: NO


• Import an existing picture: NO


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: YES


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: NO


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: NO


• Price: 1-200 Users: $19.95 per user / Unlimited $2000


• Free trial: http://www.ypgsoft.com/download.htm

VBDoodle

VBDoodle is a freeware software that allows you to both capture and annotate anything being shown on your computer screen. It integrates basic text, highlighter, simple shapes, color and thickness choice. VBDoodle is available for Windows only.
http://www.hopkinsprogramming.net/software/vbdoodle/

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: NO


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: NO


• Highlighter - emphasizer: YES


• Numbered marker: NO


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): NO


• Undo: NO


• Import an existing picture: NO


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: YES


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: NO


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: NO


• Price: Free


• Free trial: http://www.hopkinsprogramming.net/software/vbdoodle/

Virtual Board

Virtual Board is one of the richest and most advanced screen annotation tools available online. It is completely free for personal use and it integrates screen capture, zooming, live annotation and markup, text annotation, saving and loading of annotations, use of clipart and a effectively designed user interface.
http://lightools.fredisland.net/

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: NO


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: YES


• Highlighter - emphasizer: NO


• Numbered marker: YES


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: YES


• Import an existing picture: N/A


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: YES


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: YES


• Hide/Display annotations at will: N/A


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: N/A


• Price: Free


• Free trial: http://lightools.fredisland.net/

Talk and Write

Talk and Write is a Skype-enabled application which allows you to work on a shared whiteboard with anyone among your Skype contacts. Talk and Write also allows you to upload and share any document and to see and annotate it in real time with your selected Skype partner. The basic version is freeware.
http://www.talkandwrite.com/

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: NO


• Marker with preset symbols: NO


• Arrow - pointer: YES


• Highlighter - emphasizer: NO


• Numbered marker: YES


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: YES


• Import an existing picture: YES


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: N/A


• Hiding desktop icons: N/A


• Saving/Loading annotations: N/A


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: NO


• Price: Free


• Free trial: http://www.talkandwrite.com/

M2 ScreenInk

M2Screen Annotator is a program which will allow you to directly draw on the screen during a presentation or something like that with your Microsoft Tablet PC or Tablet PC SDK enabled system. You can then save the entire screenshot as an image for record keeping. Free to use.
http://www.marauderzstuff.com/programs/m2screenink/default.aspx

• Freehand drawing: YES


• Line drawing: YES


• Empty rectangle and ellipse: YES


• Real-time pointer - laser pointer: N/A


• Marker with preset symbols: N/A


• Arrow - pointer: YES


• Highlighter - emphasizer: NO


• Numbered marker: YES


• Spotlight: NO


• Text tool: YES


• Eraser (individual - global): YES


• Undo: YES


• Import an existing picture: NO


• Take a screenshot of any open window/application: YES


• Hiding desktop icons: NO


• Saving/Loading annotations: YES


• Hide/Display annotations at will: NO


• Edit and move each individual annotation element: NO


• Interactivity among multiple users: NO


• Price: Free


• Free trial: http://www.marauderzstuff.com/programs/m2screenink/default.aspx

Whiteboarding tools comparison chart

Resources on Whiteboarding

• How To Use Interactive Whiteboards with Modern Languages


• Learn tips and tricks for effective (traditional) whiteboarding


• Whiteboard - Wikipedia


• Microsoft NetMeeting - Whiteboard information


• Whiteboarding in the classroom


• Educational software employing group competition using an interactive electronic whiteboard


• Interactive whiteboards enhance the learning experience for deaf, hard-of-hearing students


• The Digital Whiteboard: A Tool in Early Literacy Instruction


• Host a virtual meeting: collaborate with a video link and a whiteboard

Whiteboarding Newsradar

Here you can find all the news about the world of Whiteboarding updated in real-time.

This information has been researched and collected by Robin Good in conjunction and support of the LANCELOT Language Research Project funded by the European Commission under the LEONARDO DA VINCI, Language Competence II programme.