September: The Month of the Padlet

Good morning, River Eves! This month has been an exciting month back in the classroom. And our teachers and I have fallen in love with the web resource PADLET. I began taking advantage of the awesome features that Padlet offers at the end of the previous school year when we used it for our "So You Think You Can Hip-Hop Dance" PE lesson. Below, you will find the "Fragale 5" as an introduction to this amazing Technology Treasure. Enjoy!

1. What? (A brief overview of what the resource does)

In the words of Shaun Takenouchi, "When you first start to use Padlet you have a blank page where you can do a variety of things. You can drag and drop documents, images, and PDF’s from your desktop to your wall. You can also copy and paste links to videos or websites as well as use your computer’s (or tablet's) camera to take a picture to put up. Lastly, you have the option to just start typing on your page and create notes on it." When it comes to privacy on a Padlet, the teacher can make a page public, password protected, or completely private. In regards to sharing a link to a page, Padlet even creates a unique QR code for you - eliminating that extra step! It is also important to note that Padlet is a WEB resource, not an app. Therefore, it is accessible on any device with internet access.

2. Who? (Audience, which grade levels can really benefit from this resource?)

All grade levels can benefit from using Padlet, even all subject areas. Because it is a quick and easy website creator that pairs well with iPads, the possibilities are endless in our school! 

3. Where? (In what learning context would this resource be relevant?)

This resource would really work in all classrooms. A teacher could you Padlet to provide students with a WebQuest, a research assignment, in Social Studies (see below in 4th Humanities classes):

A teacher could use Padlet as a password protected writing portfolio for collaboration and peer feedback (see below in Ms. Dearborn's class):

A teacher could use Padlet as a ticket out the door or reflection piece of some sort (see below in Ms. Newton's first grade class - I know Ms. Schechter has used this in her ELA class as well!):

A teacher could use Padlet to track student progress in writing, speaking, really any skill. AND the beauty of Padlet is this can be shared with parents, relatives, any person who has the password. Those individuals have the option to leave feedback too! (see below in Ms. Donnell's Kindergarten class):

A teacher could take a video of herself in the classroom teaching, reviewing, introducing a topic, anything, and easily share this video with the class, even the world (see below in Ms. Moss's video introduction):

4. Why? (How can this REALLY help me?)

Padlet is fantastic because it eliminates unnecessary steps while communicating and collaborating with others. As teachers, we want to meet the needs of all learners, and the idea of blended learning and the flipped classroom become more attainable with a fantastic resource like Padlet.

First graders working on literary response entries; some type their
sentences while other take a picture to post of their written word.

5. How? (Basic Instructions)

For basic usage directions, follow the link below! I hope you enjoy getting acquainted with the wonderful web resource Padlet. How to Use Padlet