What is Padlet? 

Padlet is an online pinboard app, where users can organise, share and curate digital content such as multimedia, text comments, links to website and files. The Padlet pinboard allows staff and students to collaborate inside or outside of live teaching sessions, to collate and share information on a digital wall, post comments and rate/react to posts. You can see examples via the Padlet website gallery. 

Your lecturer will be able to let you know if Padlet will be used during your module. 

How do I access Padlet? 

There are several ways to join a Padlet board, most commonly via: 

• Blackboard – your lecturer may share a Padlet link or embed a Padlet into your Blackboard course. When clicked, the Padlet platform will open in a new browser window. 
• Online teaching sessions – your lecturer may post a Padlet ‘joining link’ in the chat window. When clicked, the Padlet platform will open in a new browser window. 
• Face-to-face sessions – your lecturer may display a short url on your PowerPoint or handouts. You will need to open your device browser and enter the short url. When joining, the Padlet platform will open in the browser window. 

Note: You do not need a Padlet account to access and participate in a Padlet. For other possible joining options, see this article ‘How do I join a Padlet?’. Note, users will have a more accessible experience via their device browser as opposed to the Padlet mobile app. 

What should I do if I am concerned about accessing and participating in Padlet activities? 

If you wish to familiarise yourself with Padlet, please see the official Padlet YouTube channel for orientation videos. Additionally, you may find the information below answers some of the access and participation concerns you may have. 

Note: Those using Padlet for teaching and learning will need to review Padlet accessibility information and consider the appropriateness of the tool for their own situation. Please contact your lecturer directly to discuss your needs and concerns as they arise. For example, your lecturer or assistant note-taker may be able to post on a Padlet on your behalf, you may be able to send a direct email or a Teams chat message as an alternative, or there may be another tool that can be used to support class interaction. You are welcome to explore these ideas with your lecturer if you are concerned about access and participation in a Padlet. 

How accessible is Padlet? 

Padlet is accessible in some ways. Here is the most recent Padlet accessibility information and a summary below (accurate at time of writing). 

• Does Padlet support screen-readers? Yes, there is basic compatibility with screen-reader software (for example, Apple Voice Over) but Padlet is working on further improving screen-reader user experience. It is recommended to use via your browser than open Padlet via the Padlet app.
• Does Padlet provide low vision colour contrast? No, this is in development. Please use high contrast in Chrome to increase the contrast of Padlet when displayed on webpages. 
• Is alt-text generated for images? No, users are asked to input descriptions when uploading images to Padlet boards. 
• Do video embeds contain descriptions? Depending on the streaming service from which videos are hosted, there will be auto-captions. Where videos do not have captions, please alert your lecturer who will provide an alternative format for those with a registered access need.  
• What browsers / mobile devices does Padlet require? Most browsers and mobile devices are compatible, you can check this Padlet support guide for most recent information. Note Padlet requires JavaScript and CSS to run.