The information in this article is correct at the time of writing. Third party applications can update and change at any time. Always check the terms and conditions before signing up. For more information, see our page on considerations when using third party apps in Teaching.

Padlet is a freemium pinboard app that acts as a virtual notice board for content sharing and real-time interactions, the tool provides an online collaborative platform for sharing a variety of content, such as multimedia, files, links and text comments. Padlet boards can be used as a way to gather together thoughts and ideas in a lecture with students using their own devices, or these boards could be used as an asynchronous online activity to support independent study.

The most common uses for teaching and learning currently are:

• Discussion board or ‘back channel’; the tutor poses a question and all students respond.
• Class blog; for sharing research, feedback, or questions about an assignment.
• Group portfolio; students post their work in progress for peer review eg. Moodboard.
• Group exercise; teams are given different themes to research and record their findings on a padlet, then share with the whole class in a face to face presentation.
• See our guidance on using Padlet in your teaching to offer a variety of student activities
• See also, 30 creative ways to use Padlet for teachers and students

Please note:

• The free version of Padlet is available for staff and students to use at the University.
• There are specific terms and conditions to be aware of when using this tool. A summary is provided in this article, with links to further details via the Padlet Terms of Service
• Please follow the privacy guidelines when using this tool.
• Some issues have been raised with Padlet’s inaccessibility and we would recommend using advice in this article to consider these issues prior to using the tool and/or email webaccessibilityteam@reading.ac.uk for advice. You cannot require a student to use Padlet if they report access or participation issues when using the tool, ensure you display this Padlet toolkit slide prior to use.
• You can find further information about Padlet on our support site.

Availability:

• Online
• Sign-up required for use of free account
• Freemium – limited free version with paid upgrades
• See also How do I log in to Padlet, How do I create a Padlet  and How do I share a Padlet

Key features:

• Post images, text, links, or other media to a collaborative pinboard
• Supports a wide variety of file types and embedded content
• Invite contributors with a link
• Change permissions simply (read-only, write, moderator/admin access)
• Real-time updating
• Commenting/liking features on posts
• Available in multiple languages

Benefits:

• Intuitive and easy to use UI
• Can create an engaging synchronous and asynchronous activity for your students
• Changes are autosaved
• Link sharing allows for easy collaboration
• No log-in required for student interaction

Considerations and limitations:

• Padlet has admitted to being inaccessible to some users of assistive technology
• Limited number of boards per free account
• Link sharing is not private, so anyone with the link can post
• Posts may be anonymous and may careful framing and trust

Does Padlet meet accessibility standards?

• Padlet is a visual platform and may cause issues, for example, users who rely on screenreaders.
• 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.
• Padlet does not have an accessibility statement and does not currently adhere to WCAG 2.1 guidelines. Note, TEL provides a brief summary accurate at time of writing, see How Accessible is Padlet.

Padlet personal data and privacy advice

• You need to create an account on the platform to design and host Padlet. You will be asked to provide basic details such as name, email address and intended use. 
• Do not use your University password when creating a Padlet account. 
• Avoid sharing personally identifiable information via Padlet (other than valid email address required for registration). 
• You are responsible for managing your Padlet account, directly on the Padlet website via Padlet’s support team.  
• Staff registering to use Padlet will be subject to accepting the  Padlet terms of service; and understanding Padlet’s privacy policy 
• Please note; the email address you provide may be used for password resets and marketing emails with relevant information about Padlet or third parties (you can opt in or out of marketing emails at anytime). 

Padlet copyright information and liabilities

• See Padlet: Privacy guidelines
• Padlet boards can only be accessed by people invited via link
• Padlet do not claim ownership or rights to content on Padlet boards. For further information, please see their Terms of Use
• When adding third party content (such as images or videos) you must follow guidance on making copyright law work for you in your University teaching (useful copyright FAQs can be found on the University IMPs webpages). You may also find suitable content via the university collections or free image sites such a Pixabay, Unsplash and unDraw (always check the usage terms). 

Page last updated on January 26, 2024 by taralehane