Welcome To The World Of 

Padlet!

@LisaBerghoff

I love tinkering with a problem. When a teacher sits in my office and explains an issue that they are having that is getting in the way of learning, my brain starts to buzz. I have a mental rolodex of tools and capabilities.  I try to piece together what will most closely solve the issue with the least amount of effort on the teacher and students to use the tool.  Sometimes the tools are new and exciting and other times they are simple and seemingly boring. With the speed at which these tools are adding features and updating, often the teacher is surprised by the answer. One tool that consistently rises to the top is Padlet.

What Is Padlet?

This is becoming increasingly difficult to answer. Padlet began as a digital bulletin board tool that has exploded into so many other things. Of course, you can still use Padlet as a digital bulletin board. You now have many more options of what you can pin on that board. You can even schedule a post to show up on a certain day and time. The types of boards that can be created are endless, and you can use the power of AI to create your perfect Padlet using AI Recipes.  Did you know that Padlets be presented just like slides? Padlet also has the ability to be used as a collaborative, interactive whiteboard- called Padlet Sandbox. And, Padlet TA now allows you to use AI to create lessons and printable classroom materials.

With all of that, Padlet still manages to keep the interface clean and simple. 

Anyone can jump in and use Padlet, even your students. 

Why Would I Use Padlet?

Padlet is the answer to so many questions. Here are some examples:

• How do I create a space for my students to showcase work and get feedback?
• How do I create a space for my students to collaborate on notes to prepare for a test?
• I want my students to create portfolios, what is a good tool for that?
• I need an engaging way for my students to work through content on their own, how do I set that up?
• Can my students make interactive maps?
• I want my students to create videos of themselves talking, presenting, and I want all of their videos in one place.
• Is there a tool that allows me to do a quick poll with my students?
• What is the best way to house all of the links I have to resources for this current unit?
• Is there a good digital tool for concept mapping?

I could go on!

How Do I Get Started With Padlet?

Just sign in with your school Google credentials to get on our building license. This allows you to have unlimited Padlets! Click the plus button to make a Padlet and then it will walk you through all of the options. Don't worry! You can make changes at any time. You have granular control over who can post and what they can include. There is even a new feature that allows you to create a form so responses will go to the Padlet without the responders seeing it first! I highly recommend that you click around and see all of the features. Encourage your students to explore as well. This can be an incredible study tool for them.

If you want to see an example, here is the HPHS Staff Recs Padlet. This is where staff members have added their book, podcast, show, and movie recommendations. Take a look at what's there and add some yourself so you can experience what it is to add to a Padlet.

Want to use Padlet but not sure how to get started? Check out the Padlet gallery for ideas. Book a time with me and let's work on it together!