SESSION 3A
Thanh Thao (Rianna) Bui, Trinity College and CQUEnglish
Padlet - A game changer in EAP practice and beyond
Abstract
Padlet, a web-based whiteboard tool with interactive features, has revolutionised how language teachers could plan and deliver EAP lessons. I aim to introduce four attributes that make Padlet stand out.
• Reflective tool: By using Padlet, students can collect materials, organise, and reflect. In particular, my students reflect on their study abroad experience based on the KWHL thinking framework which could be visualised engagingly on Padlet.
• Collaborative and interactive tool: The most powerful and innovative feature that Padlet could bring to the EAP classroom (and beyond). Padlet allows students to post their contribution/homework/ideas in the same page where other students can see, react, comment, and of course learn from.
• Organisational tool: Padlet enables borderless sharing and collaboration both for teaching and learning purposes. While students can brainstorm and collaborate via Padlet, teachers can also use Padlet to sequence their lessons and activities, and also integrate other teachers’ resources using the “copy” and “remake” functions.
• Cross-platform tool: A post on Padlet can be linked to almost any other educational platforms (Quizlet, Kahoot, Google Apps like Docs, Slides, polleverywhere), which provide teachers with ample opportunities to enrich their lessons with features that not only Padlet but also the other technologies have to offer.
Bio
As a bilingual English language teacher, Rianna Bui is passionate about English education with over 5 years' experience teaching General English and EAP. Educational technologies, TESOL pedagogy, and curriculum development are her main areas of interest. She moved to Australia in 2015 and has been teaching at various educational organisations in Melbourne including Trinity College, The University of Melbourne.