Technology in the Classroom: Padlet
You taught a lesson that was awesome! The kids loved it, they were engaged, and they asked all the right questions. Then, the kids leave your classroom, go home, play video games, and go to sleep. When they return the next day, do they remember any of the content you taught the day before? As teachers, being able to quickly gauge the understanding of our students is key. We can’t give a test or quiz every day. So, how do we quickly gather their level of understanding? In my classroom, the day always started with a warm-up question, and when I first started it involved a paper and pencil. Then, I found Padlet. Padlet allows teachers to create a wall where students can post responses to questions. The best part is, it is super easy to use, and the kids love it!
First, Padlet is a free resource; you simply need to create an account. From there, you will find several options on how to organize your responses on the wall.
Wall- This option creates a brick-like layout.
Canvas- (my favorite) scatters responses, allowing you to move or connect them.
Steam- Sets them up like a twitter feed. Simply stacks them one on top of the other.
Grid- Arranges content in rows of boxes.
Shelf- Stacks the responses into columns.
As I said, canvas is my favorite layout. I like to be able to take a student’s response and move it off to the side, discuss it, or connect it to another student’s response. It really creates a great opportunity for discussion in the classroom. This is very effective on a smart board. Once you select your layout, Padlet sets up a canvas that you can modify. I would start by changing the title, and description to fit with your question. Often times, I put my question for the kids in the description. Scrolling down from there, you are given a variety of backgrounds to choose from, themes (Premium only), and a variety of other options. It is important that you scroll all the way to the bottom, and adjust the web address. I usually adjust it to be “Barkes1stPeriod” or that particular class period.From here, you have options on the privacy level of your Padlet, and several ways to share your Padlet with your class. For me, it was easy to simply write the link on the board. It is usually short and easy to use. Next, just give the kids the link, and they can use their phone, laptop, desktop, or other electronic device.I love using Padlet as a warm-up activity. However, that is not the only way to use Padlet in the classroom. I know some load videos, websites, and other instructions to students and then use it as a digital handout. Use the Padlet below and share how you use Padlet in the classroom. As always, thank you for reading. Have a great day
D. Barkes
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