This article was updated in May 2024.
Padlet is a digital communications platform that helps make interactions between students and teachers much more engaging and fun.
From words and images to videos and links, this digital space can be easily filled and accessed from multiple devices, making it superior to its real-world bulletin board equivalent.
Make some parts public and others private in a combination that allows extensive control over communications of various types, ideal for classroom situations.
This guide will lay out everything you need to know about Padlet for your class.
What is Padlet and how does it work?
rowed It is a platform where you can create one or more walls that can host all the posts you want to share. From videos and images to documents and audio, it's literally a blank slate. It's also collaborative, allowing you to involve students, other teachers, and even parents and guardians.
Who you share with that is up to you as the moderator. It can be public, open to everyone, or you can post a password on the wall. You can only allow invited members to use the wall, which is the ideal setup for education. Share the link and all guests will be able to enter easily.
Once up and running, it is possible to post an update with your identity or anonymously. Get started by creating an account at rowed, or through the application for iOS or Android. Then, you can create your first sharing board using a link or QR code, to name just two of the many sharing options.
What's new in Padlet?
Padlet has added some rich ai features that make automation much easier. This also means the ability to create from scratch, more specific content that adapts to tasks exactly as needed.
Popsicle magic, as the ai is called, allows you to create from scratch using simple instructions in a structured format. From creating lesson plans and maps of historical events to reading lists and activities, it's all as easy as asking.
This feature has certain tasks you can choose from and it will do the rest, or try the custom mode for totally original options.
How to use Padlet
To start posting, double-click anywhere on the board. You can then drag files, paste them, or even use the Save As bookmark with Padlet mini. Or just click the plus icon in the bottom right corner and add that way. They can be images, videos, audio files, links or documents.
From a brainstorming board to a live question bank, there are many ways to use Padlet, limited only by your imagination. Even that limit can be overcome by allowing the board to be collaborative so that your students can use their imagination to grow it in new directions.
Once you're ready, you can hit publish and the Padlet will be ready to share. You can also integrate it with applications like Google Classroom and many LMS options too. These can also be embedded in other places, such as on a blog or the school website.
How much does Padlet cost?
Padlet is free for the most part essential plan, which limits users to three Padlets and limits file uploads. You can always use one of those three, then delete it and replace it with a new one. You simply can't store more than three long term.
He Padlet Pro plan, designed for individuals, can be used by teachers and the costs of $8 per month. This gives you unlimited padlets, 250MB file uploads (25x more than the free plan), domain mapping, priority support, and folders.
Padlet Backpack It is designed specifically for schools and starts at $2,000 but includes a 30-day free trial. Gives you user management access, enhanced privacy, additional security, branding, school-wide activity monitoring, file uploads larger than 250MB, a control domain environment, additional support, student reports and portfolios, filtering content and integration of Google Apps and LMS. Depending on the size of the school or district, custom pricing is available.
Top Padlet Tips and Tricks
Great idea
Use an open Padlet to allow students to add ideas and comments for a brainstorming session. This can last a week or a single lesson and helps encourage creativity.
Go to live
When teaching hybrid, use a Live Padlet to allow students to post questions as the lesson progresses, so you can address them in the moment or at the end.
collate research
Create a hub for students to publish research on a topic. This encourages everyone to check out what's happening and find something new by thinking differently.
Use exit tickets
Create exit tickets using Padlet, allowing for a summary of the lesson; From writing down something learned to adding a reflection, there are many options.
work with teachers
Collaborate with other teachers in school and beyond to share resources, provide feedback, post grades, and more.
