The Easy Way to Collaborate - Padlet

 Have you ever had trouble with getting your students to collaborate on sharing their thoughts, questions, and ideas on a certain subject? Look no further - with the help of the technological tool, Padlet, students have the ability to type out all of their comments virtually on what looks like a post-it note right under their name. The way that this website is formatted is easily accessible, so those who are not as technologically advanced can understand how it works right away. Each student's name can be listed down a horizontal line, and they have access to posting their note at any time! Additionally, the note can be customized to whatever dimensions the teacher desires. For instance, using Times New Roman with the standard size 12 font and double spacing is available, as well as numerous other fonts and sizes. The teacher can input their question in the first slot to the far left so that it is the first thing the student sees when they open up the website. From there, the student can scroll to their name and post what they think. What is great about this technological tool is that students can also post notes under their classmates, thus creating a thread of thoughts. This is a super simple way to get students to collaborate with ease. It does not put pressure on them like it would for some in class. Sometimes, the classroom can be overwhelming for students, especially voicing one's thoughts in front of the entire class. Personally, I fell victim to this and experienced major anxiety when talking about my opinions and such in front of my classmates. Padlet alleviates that pressure and anxiety-inducing feeling that comes with public speaking and instead promotes a fun way of virtual learning. Another amazing thing about virtual learning and utilizing technology tools such as Padlet is that in the classroom, sometimes working in groups does not go as planned. Some groups may be chatting about nonsense throughout the time they were supposed to be doing classwork, while others will sit in complete silence and do the work entirely on their own, not once speaking to their fellow group members. It is important to show students that working together and collaborating is beneficial not only in the classroom but also in the business world. When students graduate and branch off into pursuing jobs, they will find that collaboration and group work are done a lot in the workplace. That is why it is essential for students to perform the work that they are given - primarily with others. Padlet allows students to do just this, and to expand their ideas and knowledge from reading others' posts. Padlet is an astonishing technological tool that is ideal for effectively teaching students in the classroom, and lets them expand such knowledge outside of it, as well.