It’s the start of a new month. So today I’m giving myself a new challenge….highlight a different ed tech tool every day for the entire month of November. I know, when I set a goal, I go big! Hopefully, this is easier than setting a weight loss goal. Am I right?
For the next 30 days, I will write a post on a different tool. Some of these might be brand new ones while others might be old favorites that I haven’t used for a while or that have new features that deserve a closer look. We’ll see how many days I can stick to this little challenge. Here we go.
Day 1: Padlet
Today’s tool is Padlet, a virtual, collaborative bulletin board. Padlet is not new by any means. To me, it is like an old trusted friend. I use this web app in almost every workshop I do. It is easy to set up, easy to use, and a great way to foster learner participation.
In Padlet, you can set up a virtual board. Think of it as a bulletin board for the web. You can change the look, feel, and the layout of your board as well as control privacy settings. Collaborators can add text, images, videos, documents, and links to your board with a simple click. Participants and collaborators do not need to have a login (which I love) so it makes it extremely easy to gather feedback or ideas from a new group of learners. All they need is a device and an internet connection. Easy peasy.
Below is an example of a Padlet I created on Tech Tools. The goals was to create a space where anyone could share their favorite classroom tool. I started the list but others have joined me and added their favorites to the mix.
This is just one example of how this versatile tool can be used in a classroom setting.
Some of my favorite uses for Padlet are…
- Brainstorming ideas
- Collecting questions – digital question wall
- Curating resources
- Sharing new ideas
- Edcamp session planning
- Formative assessments
The list could go on.
Padlet just added a new feature that I am completely stoked about – reactions! You can now let your Padlet collaborators react to posts with a like, up/down vote, or star rating. You can even grade a post. This is an excellent new feature for an already useful tool. For more on Reactions, read Richard Byrne’s blog post about this new feature and watch his how-to video.
If you are already using Padlet, I’d love to hear how. Post your Padlet ideas in the comments.
Alright! Day one done! I’ll be using my Tech Padlet from above as my guide as I explore a different tool each day. I might also pull some gaming resources off of this one too.
I’m looking forward to discovering (and rediscovering) some new and new to me ed tech tools for in and out of the classroom.
If you have a favorite, add it to the Padlet! I’m always on the lookout for new shiny toys…I mean tools.