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 (‘padlet’) 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 in your module. 

How do I access padlets shared by university staff? 

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

• Blackboard – your lecturer may share a padlet link in your Blackboard course.
• 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 QR code on your PowerPoint or handouts. You will need to scan this with your device camera or a QR code reader app.

How do I activate my university Padlet account?

To activate your account, go to Padlet.com and choose sign-in with Microsoft (e.g. your IT username such as md916166@reading.ac.uk).

How digitally accessible is Padlet? 

For a more accessible experience, access Padlet via your device browser as opposed to the Padlet mobile app. 

See Padlet’s accessibility FAQs.; some key points summarised below (accurate at time of writing). 

• Screen-reading software: Padlet is basically compatible with screen-reader software (e.g. Apple Voice-Over, Jaws); for example, posts can be read aloud and new posts can be created using a shortcut.
• Keyboard navigation: Padlet supports full keyboard navigation across all pages. They also provide convenient shortcuts for quick content creation.
• Auto-captions: will display for videos linked via YuJa, YouTube etc. 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.
• Colour contrast: Padlet recommend users download a web extension such as High Contrast for Chrome to increase contrast on Padlet pages.
• Alt-text: This is not generated automatically. Users are asked to input descriptions when uploading images to Padlet boards. Your lecturer can inform you if image attachments are for decorative purposes only, please discuss further with your lecturer if you have an 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.

What should I do if I am concerned about accessing and participating in a padlet activity? 

If you wish to familiarise yourself with Padlet, please see the official Padlet YouTube channel for orientation videos and check Padlet’s accessibility FAQs.

• Please contact your lecturer directly to discuss your needs and concerns as they arise. For example, your lecturer, peers or assistant note-taker may be able to post on a Padlet on your behalf, or you may be able to send a direct email or a Teams chat message as an alternative to posting in a padlet. You are welcome to explore these ideas with your lecturer if you are concerned about access and participation in a padlet. 
  

  Are there any restrictions when using Padlet?

  • You must not share padlets or padlet content outside of university platforms (i.e. with non-university email addresses or social media accounts) or with other students (unless advised otherwise by your lecturer or other university staff).
  • Do not upload private information to Padlet. For example, do not add your photograph or any other personal data to your account ‘profile’ or collect / store private information via padlets.
  • Padlet is not subject to the university data retention policy. If requiring the platform for assessment purposes, you must export your padlet as .pdf for upload to a submission point via Blackboard.
  • Check copyright permissions of content added to your padlet. Speak to your librarian in the first instance if you are unsure about the permissions of content you intend to use.

Guide last updated on November 28, 2022