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Enhancing Interactions in Higher Education: How Padlet Transforms Teaching and Learning

In today’s fast-paced world, education is no longer just about delivering content—it’s about creating meaningful connections between students, instructors, and the material they study. Last year, I had the opportunity to present my research at the 2024 16th International Conference on Education Technology and Computers (ICETC 2024) in Porto, where I explored how a simple digital tool called Padlet can revolutionise classroom interactions. My study focused on its use in a university course, COM1014 Principles of Mass Communication, and the results were both exciting and impactful.

Why Focus on Interactions in Education?
Interactions are the backbone of effective learning. When students engage with their peers, instructors, and course materials, they’re more likely to understand and retain information. However, traditional lecture-based teaching often struggles to foster these connections. This is where digital tools like Padlet come in.

Padlet is an online platform that acts like a virtual bulletin board. Students and instructors can post notes, images, videos, and links in real-time, making it perfect for collaborative activities. My research aimed to answer a simple question: Can Padlet make learning more interactive and engaging for students?

How Padlet Was Used in the Classroom
I introduced Padlet in six sessions of the COM1014 course, which had 22 undergraduate students. Each session included activities like brainstorming, group discussions, and collaborative projects. For example, during a lesson on audience analysis, students used Padlet to create boards showcasing different audience segments and their media habits. This not only made the topic more relatable but also encouraged students to think critically and work together. 
Two observers joined the sessions to document how students interacted with the tool and each other. Their insights, combined with feedback from the students, provided a clear picture of Padlet’s impact.

What Did We Learn?
The results were overwhelmingly positive. Students reported that Padlet made the class more interactive and fun. They appreciated how easy it was to use and how it allowed them to share ideas instantly. One student said, “Padlet helped me feel more connected to my classmates, even though we were just posting online.”

Observers noted that Padlet encouraged shy students to participate more actively. Instead of waiting to be called on, they could post their thoughts on the board, which boosted their confidence. The tool also allowed instructors to provide real-time feedback, making the learning process more dynamic and responsive.

In short, anyone involved in teaching or training can benefit from integrating tools like Padlet into their practices.

Connecting to a Bigger Goal: Sustainable Development Goal 4
This research aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” By making learning more interactive and accessible, tools like Padlet help create a more inclusive educational environment. They ensure that students, regardless of their background or learning style, can participate fully and benefit from the lessons.

Practical Applications for Educators
The success of Padlet in COM1014 offers practical insights for educators: 
1.    Encourage Collaboration: Use Padlet for group projects and discussions to foster teamwork. 
2.    Provide Instant Feedback: Use the tool to address student questions and concerns in real time. 
3.    Make Learning Fun: Incorporate multimedia elements like videos and images to keep students engaged. 
4.    Promote Inclusivity: Give every student a voice, especially those who might hesitate to speak up in traditional settings.

Looking Ahead
The positive response to Padlet in my course has inspired me to explore its potential in other subjects and settings. As education continues to evolve, tools like Padlet will play a crucial role in shaping how we teach and learn. They remind us that technology, when used thoughtfully, can bring people together and create richer, more meaningful learning experiences.

Conclusion
My experience at ICETC 2024 was a reminder of the power of innovation in education. By integrating Padlet into COM1014, we not only enhanced classroom interactions but also created a more inclusive and engaging learning environment. This research is just the beginning—there’s so much more to explore in the world of educational technology, and I’m excited to see where it takes us next.

Dr. Norizzati Azudin
School of Arts
Email: @email