Padlet is an online post-it wall that allows individuals and groups to post comments and questions, and share resources, such as videos, images, links, and documents, in one location that is accessible to almost everyone. As a collaboration tool, it is also a great forum for student engagement and simultaneous interaction.
Padlets can be shared easily, and users have the option of opening them through a browser or an app. For members of the faculty, this convenient access makes Padlet a technology that can be adopted to engage and collaborate with remote as well as face-to-face students.
Getting Started
It is recommended that instructors begin the process by:
- Learning how to sign up for Padlet.
- Reviewing the get started with Padlet guide.
- Exploring additional articles on the company’s about Padlet page and blog.
- Signing up for one or more professional development opportunities through Padlet Sessions.
- Learning about new functionality and recent platform upgrades on the company’s New features page.
- Generating ideas by browsing through Padlet’s gallery of examples.
Teaching Ideas
Introductions and Ice Breakers
As Padlet is a synchronous tool, it is a great option for conducting introductions and ice breakers, especially when students are in different locations. An innovative example shared by Durham College is to present the Map format and ask students to drop pins showing where they are from, their favorite places to travel or where their favorite foods are from. Students can share images, videos or a few words about the location. Then, classmates can be encouraged to comment on or add to pins/posts they can connect with.
Concept Mapping
A concept map is a teaching technique used by instructors to help students understand complex topics. It is a type of graphic organizer that encourages students to organize and visually represent knowledge using text, graphics, and symbols. This method can best be facilitated using Padlet’s Canvas board feature.
Exit Ticket
An exit ticket, sometimes referred to as a ticket to leave, is a useful method for encouraging student reflection and evaluating their understanding at the end of a lesson. The following video demonstrates how one can be easily created using Padlet.
Muddiest Point
Muddiest Point is a classroom assessment technique (CAT) in which students are asked to identify what they find to be the most confusing or least clear about part of a lesson, class, or assignment. This CAT provides faculty members with immediate feedback regarding student understanding. The muddiest point can be facilitated in Padlet using a prompt, such as ““I would like to know more about…”.
Presentations
Padlet can be used by students and instructors as an alternative to PowerPoint. Using the Padlet Slideshow feature, Padlets can be shared as aesthetically pleasing presentations, as demonstrated in the following video: