Title: 10 Ways to Use Padlet in Your Classes
Authors: Debra McFadden
Location: https://engagingbiology.com/10-ways-to-use-padlet-in-your-classes/
The teacher blog of Engaged Biology has an interesting post about the benefits of Padlet and how it can be used in the science classroom. In my own computer science classes I am looking for ways to increase student engagement and discussions about the material we are learning. Having students talk and write about programming in Java gets them to practice using the correct vocabulary and meanings. Learning to code is really like learning another language, and students need to speak and write that language to really master it!
One particular option for using Padlet is to create a Mind Map. The author says that “The Canvas board type allows students to post to different types of mind maps. You can use a tree map, a circle map or a flow map. Use it as a whole class or with small groups of students.” The idea behind a Mind Map is to use a visual diagram to map concepts, words, or related items that allows the creator (or creators in a group project) to build a framework around a central idea. Students could place and move ideas and concepts around on the Mind Map in order to focus on various concepts and enhance vocabulary understanding. As the teacher I could start the Mind Map off by creating a central focus. Students would then add their thoughts, ideas, and research in branches off that central idea. Students could then continue to branch out as they discover more through their programming experiences in class.
Hopefully this will be a fun and engaging way to use Padlet in my CS classes!
Reference:
McFadden, D. (2020, April 9). 10 Ways to Use Padlet in Your Classes. Engaging Biology. https://engagingbiology.com/10-ways-to-use-padlet-in-your-classes/