Whiteboard Module

The Whiteboard module is a read-only activity module that allows instructors to create drawing and diagramming content stored as Excalidraw JSON. This module type is ideal for presenting visual diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps, and other graphical content.

Overview

Whiteboard modules are informative (read-only) modules that present visual content without requiring user interaction or submissions. They are perfect for:

• Visual diagrams and flowcharts
• Mind maps and concept maps
• Technical drawings and schematics
• Interactive visual explanations
• Collaborative brainstorming sessions (instructor-created)

Creating a Whiteboard Module

To create a whiteboard module:

1. Navigate to your course
2. Click “Add Module” or “Create Activity”
3. Select “Whiteboard” from the module types
4. Enter a title and description for your whiteboard
5. Use the Excalidraw editor to create your visual content
6. Save as draft or publish when ready

Excalidraw Editor

The whiteboard module uses Excalidraw, a powerful open-source drawing tool that supports:

• Drawing tools: Pen, shapes, arrows, lines
• Text elements: Add labels and annotations
• Shapes library: Rectangles, circles, diamonds, and more
• Layers: Organize elements into layers
• Export options: PNG, SVG, and JSON formats
• Collaboration: Real-time collaborative editing (for instructors)

Module Status

Whiteboard modules follow the standard module lifecycle:

• Draft: Content is being created and edited; visible only to creator and granted users
• Published: Content is ready for students; visible to enrolled students
• Archived: Content is preserved but no longer active; hidden from students

Best Practices

When creating whiteboard modules:

• Use clear labels to identify different parts of diagrams
• Choose appropriate colors for better visual distinction
• Keep diagrams simple to avoid overwhelming students
• Use consistent styling across multiple whiteboards
• Add legends for complex diagrams
• Export as images for backup purposes

Viewing Whiteboards

Students can view whiteboard content in an interactive viewer that allows:

• Zooming in and out for detailed viewing
• Panning to explore different areas
• Downloading the whiteboard as an image
• Printing the whiteboard if needed

Learn more about module statuses and module management.