I've been a big fan of Padlet since it was Wall Wisher (or something like that)...it was a few years ago. You seriously can't expect me to remember all the different names of various websites. ;) So I was introduced to it as a part of my RPDP class with +Jerrad Barczyszyn.
*side note: I blame him for my love of ed tech...he showed me how interesting and exciting class could be with tech integration. Thanks Jerrad.*
Right so...the point of this post:
Yesterday was day 1 of the second week of school...the first week was all half days...this week full days. *I'm so tired!*
I teach technology to K-8 students. Since last week was half days and I'm teaching a "special" I had no time to start with my typical Capturing Kids' Hearts Social Contract. So that was the plan for this week. However, I had to figure out how, exactly, to integrate technology into that.
Now, I realize and recognize and appreciate that technology doesn't always and shouldn't always be used...especially just for the sake of technology. So if I was a homeroom teacher, I probably wouldn't have done this...but I'm the technology teacher. I kind of think...I'm supposed to do it this way.
Typically, students will work in a small group, brainstorming words or phrases to the 4 questions that guide our social contract. Instead of having us work in small groups, I had them work independently on Padlet. The way I explained it was - instead of giving them all Post It Notes to stick on the wall with their words/phrases, they needed to post them on the Padlet. Re: CKH...I explained that even if a word came up that they were going to use, they needed to write it too because I wanted them to be heard. I wanted everyone to have a voice.
All in all, I'd say that it went pretty darn well! 6 classes...5 were scheduled to create the social contract...and only 1, due to poor choices, had to use the paper and pencil technique! They seemed to enjoy it.
We will see how today goes!! Have you used it? What did you think?
