Padlet’s Sandbox: The Best Jamboard Alternative?

If you relied on Google Jamboard and panicked at its impending shutdown, you're not alone. I loved Jamboard for its simplicity in creating interactive digital activities for professional development, online, and in-person classes. It was also user-friendly for those with beginner digital literacy skills.

For months, I searched for a true Jamboard replacement—most alternatives were either too complex or lacked key features. But now, Padlet’s Sandbox stands out as the closest match.

This is a short Tutor Tip, so I’ll keep it simple: Sandbox lets you easily add text boxes, sticky notes, and draw on a collaborative whiteboard—just like Jamboard. But it also brings valuable improvements. One standout feature is the ability to freeze elements like text boxes. If you’ve ever had learners accidentally move your question prompts in Jamboard, you’ll appreciate this! Just right-click on an element and select “freeze.”

If you’re new to Jamboard and not sure what this all means, check out this simple Sandbox example I created. It allows learners to write and read about each other’s weekend activities:

This Tutor Tip is just a quick introduction to Sandbox as a powerful Jamboard alternative. Learn more and access how-to videos: https://padlet.help/l/en/article/8izrmuejli-what-is-sandbox 

Special thanks to Nick Houlson and Susan Wetenkamp-Brandt for their insightful session on Sandbox at the 2025 Language and Literacy Institute.

For questions, contact Meghan Boyle, Volunteer Training Coordinator, at [email protected].