The visual online tools for collaborative learning and icebreaker activities

Abstract

Problem statement. The study is aimed to explore how have transformed the traditional approaches of collaborative learning under the influence of new digital environment? And what are the ways of introducing online group activities, precisely icebreakers? Methodology . Authors choose Miro and Mural as the visual platforms for group work activities that enable users to collaborate and customize workspace to better suit their needs. They compared and tested both platforms across six categories: pricing, interface, templates, integrations, customization, collaboration. Results . Authors reach the conclusion that Miro has a significantly larger selection of templates, integrations and apps to choose from. The user interface has a design consistency that ties UI elements together with distinguishable and predictable actions and creates a great user experience overall. Mural offers more facilitation features, which undoubtedly also makes it a powerful tool. But if the price of the tool is also of great importance, Mural might be the right choice. Moreover, there have been considered the approaches of how to organize icebreaker games during the virtual meeting or workshop in Miro and Mural. Authors suggest several exercises: create own character, questions from a bucket, puzzle, world map, five common things, two lies - one truth, take a photo of the desk. Conclusion. Online-whiteboards like Miro and Mural effectively support warm-ups and collaborative visualization in the online environment and allow to achieve higher level of participation than in face-to-face communication.