Using Padlet in the Classroom

Over the past four years, my school has been part of the '1-to-1 Netbook Program'. Every student from Years 3-12 has access to a student learning device such as a netbook for Years 3-6 and an iPad for Years 7-12. Like all other initiatives, there are pros and cons to having such a program. Parents complain about the amount of time their children spend on their netbooks playing Minecraft and on my part, I have to deal with my students forgetting to bring their netbooks or netbooks that have been damaged. Since there is a cost involved in acquiring these netbooks, some of my students don't have access to a netbook at all. However, when you get over all the issues that come with having such a program, the learning opportunities that this program brings is endless, exciting and engaging.

Thus bringing me to Padlet. I was first introduced to Padlet in a Professional Development session about two years ago.I would compare Padlet to a digital bulletin board which allows for you to tack on it - digital sticky notes.

Creating a padlet is quite easy. Click here to go to the website. You have the option to sign in via Google, Facebook or Sign Up for a padlet. I usually sign in with my Google account. Once you log in, you'll see your Dashboard where you'll be able to create a New Padlet.

By clicking on 'New Padlet' you'll be creating a wall where you can customise the look for your padlet. 

The layout icon also gives you the option of how you want your posts to appear on the wall. Once you've chosen your wall, it's time to post. I click on the Address icon, to get the URL of my wall and send it via email to my students.

To post, you need to double-click on the wall. A 'sticky note' appears where you can type, upload pictures, video and audio clips as well as share links. 

I've also trying to use Padlet as exit slips in the classroom. In a recent lesson, on Factors, I had students record a 30 second clip to share their understanding of the concept. However, we hit a glitch when we were about to upload due to network restrictions. Padlet has its limitations and only allows for clips up to about 25MB to be uploaded. The other option is to upload videos on You Tube and share the link on Padlet. 

Do give Padlet a go.