padlet

The digital tool I decided to write about is Padlet, which, according to their website, is "the easiest way to create and collaborate in the world." 

In essence, Padlet is an online virtual bulletin board that allows you to display information, visually and/or with words, for any subject. In some ways its versatility reminds me of how Tumblr was popular years ago -- you can upload pictures, link in videos and music, and even use it to casually blog short responses if you want. In the classroom, you can use it create more dynamic lessons and assignments that invite students to participate in a community versus just individually.

Here's one example of a Padlet that displays ways you can use it in class.

Logging into and creating a Padlet account is simple. You can use either your Google account or Microsoft account to set it up. While the free version only allows you to create three boards, the paid "Pro" version is $8.25 a month if you choose the one-time $99 option, and allows you to create unlimited boards, link in to your own domain (if you have a class website, for instance), organize your boards with folders, and upload bigger files. If you decide to pay month-to-month versus one time, the cost goes up to $12. 

After signing up, you're free to create Padlets. The site provides you with six templates:

1. Wall: "Pack content in a brick-like layout."
2. Canvas: "Scatter, group, and connect content in any way."
3. Stream: "Streamline content in an easy to read, top-to-bottom feed."
4. Grid: "Arrange content in rows of boxes."
5. Shelf: "Stack content in a series of columns."
6. Backchannel: "Communicate in a chat like environment."

If you're still unsure on how you want to organize your Padlet, they have a gallery where you can look at what other people have done! There's a whole section on education which might be super helpful if you want to see what other teachers have done.

You also have the option to password-protect your Padlet, so students have to log in to access the material, and nobody else on Padlet/online can see it. This is really important if privacy and security is important to you, your students, and your school!

There are tons of video tutorials out there if you search, but I'll share one that's quick and easy to follow.

Personally, I've never used Padlet. One of my cooperating teachers in the past recommended it because community building was important to her, and she believed Padlet really did a great job in allowing collaboration and the sharing of ideas in an accessible way that benefited all. I wanted to try using it for my final project for this class, so I thought I'd do some more research.