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.

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.

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 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 digitally accessible is Padlet?

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

Here is the most recent Padlet accessibility information and some key points summarised 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 as opposed to 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.
Does Padlet provide keyboard access? You can navigate the login page and dashboard using only your keyboard. Posts on a Padlet board can be created and navigated using the keyboard, but settings cannot be changed. Padlet are working on keyboard compatibility for settings, post editing and post expansion.
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.

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.

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.

Guide last updated on November 28, 2022