In the interest of full disclosure, it was a panel of one electing Padlet for this prize… but let me explain why large numbers of USQ staff would agree with me.

Padlet calls itself a “collaborative web platform” but it is much more than this. It is used by USQ staff for a range of reasons, from the visually interesting storage of information, to reflective practice, and as a replacement for forums. Importantly, research demonstrates Padlet’s capacity to build community, belonging, and engagement. Many believe Padlet has two reasons for its success. For those setting up a Padlet, it really is intuitive, making it quick and easy for beginners.  For students using Padlet, it capitalises on pre-existing social media behaviours, such as responding to posts through comments and likes, in order to encourage engagement. 

Follow this link to view a TechDems Padlet.

TechDem participants have had great success with the use of Padlet.  It has been our most frequently used tool within Digital Initiatives.

Today I’d like to celebrate the work of Dr Rhi Johnson, a TechDem grant recipient from 2021 and one of our current champions. Rhi used Padlet, together with a keen understanding of how Visual Arts students engage with feedback, to create a course Padlet. The Padlet allowed students to post works in progress and respond to others’ works in an online, asynchronous environment. Teacher modelling was instrumental in the success of the Padlet and enhanced students’ capacity to give and receive constructive feedback. The response from students was extraordinary! Whilst previously receiving limited engagement with course forums, Rhi’s S1, 2021 Padlet received 319 posts, 403 comments, and 1164 reactions. Overall, Rhi found Padlet an exceptional way to support students’ engagement, reflective thinking, skill development, and sense of belonging.

And that’s why I think Padlet deserves to be winner of the Learning Technology of the Year. Would you agree?  Or, is there another learning technology you’d vote for?

Katrina Cutcliffe