Using Padlet Walls in the Classroom

Nothing hooks students more than innovative technology in their lessons. In a virtual classroom it is important to do more than require our students to attend class. Yes, they are graded on it so there is a consequence for not attending but who knows if they are truly listening on the other side of that computer screen?

Hook Them With Technology!

One of the easiest websites I use in my weekly virtual classroom time is Padlet! I've used this website since it came out but now they are making it 100% school friendly with their recent updates and creation of Padlet Backpack! It's completely free to use so try it out, play with it, and fall in love like I have.

How I use Padlet

There are so many uses for this website but one of the basic ways I incorporate Padlet is in the opening of my lesson. I use the Padlet Wall to find out exactly what my student's already know about the topic we are going to discuss that day.

This helps in two main ways:

1. You warm up your student's brains to a topic and you get them thinking about what they know. (Student's really love it when I start reading from the wall as they are typing and sharing what I find are excellent responses. Yes, student's love to compete against one another instead of fighting against this behavior encourage a healthy use for it!)
2. You as the teacher get instant feedback on what area(s) of the topic your student's are lacking in. (Invaluable for you as a teacher where in any classroom TIME is a precious commodity.) 

Using Padlet Outside of Live Classroom Time

My homeroom student's LOVE my Thought Walls. I send them a prompt, riddle, etc. and they can log onto the Padlet any time that week to post their idea, answers, and more. At the end of the week we view the Wall as a class and discuss.

I would love to hear what you use Padlet for below in the comments too.