Padlet: So Easy to Use! So Underrated!

Padlet has been around for awhile (relative to other Ed Tech tools) and although it was all the rage in Ed Tech circles around 2013, its shine has worn off a bit. This is too bad, since Padlet has made some absolutely excellent upgrades since then. It is such an easy-to-use, feature-rich collaboration tool that teachers can start using almost immediately in their classrooms for a variety of purposes.

What it is, in a nutshell:

• I think of it as an amplified virtual bulletin board
• educators can create pages with specific prompts, and students can post responses
• responders can also "like" and/or comment on others' responses
• responders can upload files, photos, links, etc. to a Padlet board
• responders can access a certain board with a url link or an automatically-generated QR code
• access Padlet on their website or through an iOS, Android, or Kindle app
• variety of privacy settings and moderation options 
• variety of board formats: Wall, Canvas (connect groups or posts), Stream (looks more like social media), Shelf (arrange responses in Columns), or Backchannel (chat-like page)
• plenty of templates and board backgrounds  
• see all of the features here

 How educators could use Padlet:

• Exit tickets or "Do Now" prompts 
• Debriefing activities & reflections with large groups
• KWL Charts using the Shelf format
• Brainstorming mind maps (especially using the Canvas format)
• Alternatives to whole-group discussions (get every student to participate by posting something on a Padlet board)
• Questions during a lecture or guest speaker (using Backchannel format): students can ask questions when they come to mind but not interrupt a speaker
• Personal collections: collect ideas for writing, books to read, project ideas, etc. 
• Planner & Reminder: students enter projects or assignments under "To Do," "Doing" and "Done" lists using the Shelf format
• Organization tree: make hierarchies, create character maps, etc. using Canvas format
• Safe way to expose students to social-media type forums (posting & responding to posts)

... the possibilities are really endless!


Padlet just introduced (finally) paid features... it was a long time coming. You can still operate under the free version if you create 24 boards or less (you can delete old boards to stay under the limit), or there is a Pro version with unlimited boards for $8.25/month. Padlet also offers a "Padlet Backback" subscription for schools that offers extra features, such as a user management platform and more privacy and security within your school. You can try Padlet Backback for free for 30 days and then plans start at $12/month.


Using Padlet in a unique or interesting way? Has it helped any part of your teaching practice? Feel free to leave a note in the comments below.