Each day teachers incorporate new ways to digitize the classroom and mold a learning space that is ready for the future. Padlet is an innovative platform that facilitates communication between teachers and students and works as an online noticeboard. Have a look at the ins and outs of this excellent resource for teachers and see why a Padlet board might be the answer you have been looking for.
What is Padlet
Padlet is, simply put, an online noticeboard. It gives teachers a blank slate to customize their own platforms and add numerous media resources like videos, images, helpful links, a classroom newsletter, fun classroom updates, lesson material, answers to questions, and more.
As a classroom bulletin board, students can use it as a reference for a lesson topic or look back at daily lessons, keep up to date with school events, or access it as a class document hub.
It is a one-stop sharing platform between students and teachers; offering cooperative creation, high levels of security and privacy, and plenty of sharing options.
How does Padlet work?
Padlet works as an app on phones or can be accessed on the Padlet website. It is easy to set up an account and there is a function that integrates google classroom accounts with Padlet, eliminating the need for even more login details.
To add students to the boards, teachers can send out a unique QR code or a link to the board. Adding elements to the Padlet board is also super simple with a drag and drop function, "+" icon in the lower right corner, the option to paste from your clipboard, and more.
How to use Padlet in the classroom?
The options with Padlet are limitless and the platform allows both teachers and students to use their imagination to find the most creative ways to use a Padlet board.
How to use Padlet for teachers
Choose one of the several board layouts like wall, canvas, stream, grid, map, or timeline to create a Padlet board that is right for your target. Customize all the functions before you post, changing features like the background or allowing students to comment or like each other's posts. The moderator can also choose to show the names of the people posting but turning it off will allow typically shy students to participate easily.
Post the board and send the link to students to let them add their own resources or comments to the board.
How to use Padlet for students
Students simply click on the link or scan the QR code the teacher sends them to access the Padlet board. From there they can click on the "+" icon in the bottom right corner to add their own section to the board.
The functionality is straightforward and students can either just type, upload media, search google for images, or add a link to their post. They can also comment on each other's work if comments are activated or add a like to the posts.
Best Padlet features for teachers
There are a couple of functions that make Padlet perfect for teachers. The feature to turn comments off and on is helpful if teachers are worried their students might abuse the platform. Teachers also have the power to delete comments if they are not appropriate.
There is also a feature that allows teachers to turn off the names of the posters, a helpful addition for students who want to remain anonymous. The boards are completely customizable with easy features to change the fonts, backgrounds, and security settings.
Overall, Padlet is an incredibly easy tool to use with simple features that are easy to figure out.
How much does Padlet cost?
The free Padlet plan is limited as you only have 3 boards and caps file size uploads over 25 MB. For as little as $8 per month, you can access the Padlet Pro Plan which allows up to 250 MB file uploads at a time, unlimited boards, priority support, folders, and domain mapping.
Padlet 'Backpack' is a package designed for schools and starts at $2000 but quotes differ based on the capabilities the school requires. This includes features like extra security, school branding, management access, school-wide activity monitoring, over 250 MB file uploads, more support, student reports and portfolios, and much more.
Padlet ticks and tricks for teachers
Brainstorming
It is a perfect platform for students to brainstorm a lesson topic beforehand. The teacher can post the topic and students can discuss it, post questions, or add interesting content before the lesson happens.
Parent Communication
Use the stream function to communicate with parents. Parents can post potential questions and the teacher can add classroom updates. This feature can also be used for event planning, discussing a field trip or class party, or sending reminders to students.
Book Club
Use the stream function to communicate with parents. Parents can post potential questions and the teacher can add classroom updates. This feature can also be used for event planning, discussing a field trip or class party, or sending reminders to students.
Live Question Session
Use the stream function to communicate with parents. Parents can post potential questions and the teacher can add classroom updates. This feature can also be used for event planning, discussing a field trip or class party, or sending reminders to students.
Resource for Information
When students are assigned a project, have them all add valuable resources to the board. Research can be shared to make tasks easier and help students have as many resources as possible.
Individual Boards
Every student can have their own Padlet board where they can post assignments and articles. This is useful for the teacher but it can also be an organized space for students to collect all their work.
Final Thoughts
Padlet is a fantastic tool that can facilitate a host of wonderful classroom management ideas. It can be used from an elementary classroom all throughout high school and lots of teachers are integrating this tool for both online classes and in-person learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need a Padlet account to post?
Students do not need an account to post on Padlet but their names will not appear next to their posts. It is easy to set up an account and it is recommended to do so to get the full Padlet experience.
Why is Padlet good for students?
Padlet is an excellent tool for students as it allows them to communicate with the teacher and each other in never before seen ways. They are able to share ideas outside the classroom environment and help each other expand their horizons by sharing information and resources.
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