Padlet is a virtual whiteboard used mostly by teachers. It is a customizable board as it allows users to fill it in with texts, images, audio, videos, links, and other educational tool and it creates space for teachers and students to share materials and learn in real time.
Some educators have attested to using Padlet for classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a useful tool for virtual classroom as teachers can share lesson materials, answer to questions asked by their students. Students in turn can share assignments, articles, researches on the board.
Students can use Padlet for classroom tasks, group discussions, class meeting. Teachers can ask students to contribute to the board, answer questions, brainstorm ideas, upload a math solution, post links to useful materials they think will be helpful to the class. There is a comment section where students and instructors can reply to specific items on the board.
Features of Padlet
- There is an app version for iOS and Android devices. Users can decide to use the web version of Padlet.
- Students can go back to a lesson for reference as the lesson will be saved on Padlet.
- In terms of security, Padlet is secure. The privacy on the app allows users customize the extent others can partake. It also includes a password protected wall and a link-only access creators can share with users.
- Padlet mobile app works on Android, iOS, Kindle.
- Individuals can drop feedback by commenting on a specific items without cluttering the board space.
- Creators of the board can moderate other users posts. Example teachers get to moderate the posts students drop in the board to ensure they don’t post inappropriately.
- Users can save Padlet walls for reference and record purposes.
- The web versions allows for plugins and extensions installations.
- Users can edit their posts synchronously or ansychronously as the case may be.
- Teachers can make Padlet public, private, or shared to a specific group of students. All they need do is create a custom URL and share the link to only the people they want on Padlet.
- Teachers can create single or multiple walls to house the posts they want to share with their students on Padlet.
- Teachers can turn on/off comments as the moderator. They can also delete comments.
- Posters can go anonymous.
- Font, background, can be changed to users preference.
- There are unique and creative templates available for use by teachers and also the students.
- Padlet integrates with Google Classroom and other learning platforms of choice. You can also embed Padlet on the official school website or educational blogs.
How to access Padlet
- First create an account with Padlet via the app.
- Use a link or QR code to make your first board.
- Share the link or QR code to people you want on Padlet.
- The students will have to follow the link to get to Padlet or scan the QR code. They don’t need an account to join.
To start posting:
Click the plus icon located at the lower right corner and add your post. Or double click anywhere to start posting. You can paste links to a material, upload useful images, texts, or memes. Then hit the Publish button to publish your post.
Is Padlet Free?
The free version of Padlet only allows 3 Padlets. But with Padlet Pro users can subscribe to have unlimited Padlets and a folder system for organization. Padlet Pro goes for $8 monthly, a 250MB file upload, domain mapping and much more. The free Padlet has limited storage so subscribing gives room for more.
Padlet Backpack is designed for schools and goes for $2000 . It features extra security, school branding, students report, unlimited storage, 250MB file upload.
Best ways to use Padlet
One thing about Padlet is that users can customize it’s use for anything at anytime. Some teachers use the Map Padlet for introductions on the first day of class students can upload an image of where they’ve been during the holidays and share with others.
The Shelf Padlet can he used to answer questions posed by the teachers. The Wall Padlet can be used to create a study guide for students. Or collect responses to a prompt. Students can have individual boards to post their assignments and articles. They can keep them for records.
Padlet has many other functions, which includes:
- Teachers can use Padlet to brainstorm with students. Allowing them to post their ideas and communicate with others. This encourages creativity and makes the class interactive.
- Teachers can go live, you can also invite parents to communicate with them about their ward’s performance.
- Teachers can create a hub for students to post their research on a subject.
Before you go…
Padlet is a great educational tool for students and teachers. It can be used both physically and virtually. Other organization also use it for virtual meetings, its a versatile tool. Anticipate my next article on how to share your Padlet file.
