An example method is provided and includes receiving information indicative of a marking on an electronic display. Data related to the marking is communicated to a first memory element and to a second memory element. The data is used to render a local image on the electronic display, and the local image being removed over a configured time period. The method further includes receiving additional data to be used to replace the local image on the electronic display. The additional data is received via the second memory element, and the additional data is generated when at least a portion of the local image has been changed. The local image can have an associated time to live parameter for removing the local image, which is configured to be longer than a delay for data propagation between the electronic display and a collaboration server that includes the second memory element.