If I can find a silver lining in the age of distance learning, it’s that I have the time to really learn and dig deep into new technologies. I know, for some of you, that sounds a bit stressful, if not crazy, but it’s been something I’ve been able to shift my focus on during these uncertain times. Last week, I was introduced to Padlet by my PE colleague. My first reaction to any new technology is to determine how I can use it for music education. Padlet is perfect for music instruction! It allows you to create digital choice boards for your students. There are a variety of ways to organize content for students and sharing your Padlet with parents and students is simple and easy. So what is Padlet? Let’s check it out!
What is Padlet?
Simply, Padlet is a virtual board where you can pin content like websites, music, documents, photos, videos and more. Boards can be shared with others with content locked to view only, or can be collaborative in nature, where others can add and share content. Signing up for an account is free and three padlets are included in the base plan. Additional padlets can be purchased with a monthly subscription.
What do you do with a Padlet?
Well, anything you want! I have two padlets – one for lower elementary and one for upper elementary – set up using the Columns theme. Each column is a different topic in our music instruction. For lower elementary, this is organized by songs & activities, chants & activities, movement activities, listening games, and song stories. My upper elementary columns are organized more into units; drumming, ukulele, recorder, composition, sound exploration, apps, etc. Below each heading, I can add content that supports the topic, like YouTube clips, websites, songs, photos. I can even post my Google Classroom Assignments! And even better? I can post my Padlet to directly to Google Classroom using the share options in the menu.
Beyond Distance Learning
Although I’m primarily using Padlet for distance learning at this time, I can foresee a variety of ways to use Padlet in my classroom in the future. It would be a great way to organize music center activities in my room! What about giving students choices for ukulele or recorder instruction? One of my Padlets is dedicated to World Music. I’m pinning authentic performances of children’s folk tunes around the world as well as authentic performances of instruments and ensembles from each country. There are so many ways to use Padlet for instruction!
Want to see one of my Padlets as an example? I’m sharing my lower elementary Padlet as inspiration for you to create your own! New content will be added each week and old content will be phased out every two weeks. That way the Padlet remains fresh and current with content.
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Hi Jennifer,
Greetings from Maine. I believe we met many years ago at a GIML levels class at MSU. Thank you for sharing your distance learning work. It’s helpful to see your approach as I struggle with this myself. As I put out videos similar to yours (although without the attractive Padlet presentation so far) I wonder if kids are actually watching and interacting with them. Do you have any sense of this? Do you think families are finding your efforts valuable? Are you asking for any feedback or student work to be submitted? I miss the instant ability to gauge whether a lesson or activity is “landing”. Stay well!!