One aspect of teaching in a 1:1 environment that I have really enjoyed is the increase in student participation and collaboration.
When every student has a device, every student can participate in activities and discussions…regardless of whether or not they are a particularly shy, outgoing, confident, or timid. It’s awesome!
One of my absolute favorite tech tools to use in my classroom is Padlet! If you haven’t tried this tool, then consider adding a New Year’s resolution/goal to your list!
Padlet is FREE and extremely easy to use. This tool DOES NOT require students to create yet ANOTHER username and password that they will most likely forget 🙂
Teachers (or anyone) create a Padlet account…with your GAFE account, if you’d like! Next, creation begins!
Customize the “wallpaper,” identifiable icon, how posts will appear on your Padlet…even adjust the privacy settings to require posts to be accepted by the moderator/teacher. This prevents unwanted…potentially inappropriate…comments and posts from appearing on your wall.
All of these options are awesome, but my favorite feature of Padlet is the ability to customize the URL. I find this to be extremely helpful when I use this Padlet in my classroom. Instead of rattling off a lengthy URL, I can use my own. Padlet walls are customized to include the user’s account name and a brief personalized word or phrase. It’s great!
Also, Padlet walls are saved until they are deleted by the creator, which makes them awesome resources for students to utilize even after the activity has been completed.
Give Padlet a try this year!
If you’re interested in learning more about Padlet and how it can be used in the classroom, check out these posts!
Padlet…an AWESOME tool for your classroom!
Using Collaboration Tools in YOUR Classroom
Movies and Technology in the Social Studies Classroom
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