As part of a review of the year it occurred to me that there were plenty of apps, programmes and ideas that shouldn't get lost over time, but are often overlooked. So I thought a 'don't forget series' might remind teachers of what is out there.

Number 2 – Padlet

I wrote about Padlet here.

 

Padlet is great because it is a quick, versatile tool that can be embedded and saved once created. Think electronic post-it notes. Padlet is growing, and in recent months has changed. It now includes an account which registers Padlets you have answered on as well as a multitude of options for privacy.

You can still just click 'create a padlet' and get going however!

And for a while Padlets were embedded 'everywhere'… Or at least in posts like this and this. For a few simple reasons:

• Easy sharing – a link, an embed, or a code for the site. Anyone can contribute to your Padlet.
• Protectable – embed one in your class blog and protect it with a password.
• They can be anonymous, or invite only. In class you can insist everyone contributes, give a synonym, extend a story, write a question for a numerical answer. Whatever your focus, leave a Padlet on a computer and then let the pupils contribute.
• They work on all systems. At least, i've not come across one it doesn't work on yet.

In the classroom:

• Use it to assess knowledge prior to teaching, an open question about a topic, or a question that opens up more questions.
• Great for PHSE – different answers to sensitive problems that can be anonymous (or not)
• Quick fire vocabulary collecting – 'how is the wolf described?'
• Embed pictures to showcase work.

 

Resources:

Ideas for history teachers.

Teachers guide here.