“Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as hard duty..”-ALBERT EINSTEIN

Padlet: Redefining Collaboration in the Digital Classroom

A Global Review of Padlet's Power to Connect, Create, and Cultivate Learning

Imagine a classroom where students in Ghana, Jordan, and Vietnam co-create vibrant digital walls—filled with videos, brainstorms, and anonymous feedback—all without saying a word. This is the world Padlet is quietly revolutionizing.

Introduction

As classrooms shift between physical and digital spaces, Padlet has emerged as a powerful collaboration tool at the intersection of accessibility and creativity. Originally launched in 2012 as Wallwisher, Padlet is now described by some educators as “somewhere between a doc and a full-fledged website builder.” But does its ease of use translate into real pedagogical value?


To answer that, we turn to recent studies from Ghana, Jordan, and Vietnam—countries with diverse education systems but shared digital ambitions. This review highlights how Padlet is transforming the learning experience across continents—and where it still has room to grow.

What Is Padlet?

At its core, Padlet is a free, web-based “digital notice board” where users post and arrange content like text, images, videos, and links. It’s collaborative, customizable, and works in real-time or asynchronously. Layouts range from timelines and grids to freeform canvases.

“It’s like a sticky-note wall with superpowers.”



Its intuitive interface makes it especially useful in schools with limited resources. All it takes is internet access—which, as we’ll see, is both a strength and a constraint.

Padlet’s Pedagogical Power: 3 Core Benefits

1. Collaborative Learning Reimagined

In Ghana, high school science teachers used Padlet for video explanations and anonymous class feedback. Students appreciated the replayable materials and reported improved confidence in class discussions [[5262-19775-1-PB.pdf]].

In Jordan, postgraduate students used Padlet for research brainstorming and peer resource sharing. An impressive 85% said it enhanced group work and made peer feedback more accessible [[EJ1352117.pdf]].

“I felt more confident discussing ideas after seeing others’ thoughts on the wall.” – Ghanaian student

2. Flexible by Design

Vietnamese educators integrated Padlet into German language classes, where students uploaded essays, exchanged comments, and reflected on corrections.

One student remarked, “I could learn from my friends’ mistakes and from how teachers corrected them” [[paic-6-22.pdf]].

Meanwhile, in Ghana, teachers used Padlet as an interactive “starter” activity at the beginning of lessons to spark curiosity.

3. Inclusive and Easy to Use

Padlet’s design is minimalist yet powerful. In Vietnam, students called it “easier to use than traditional classroom discussions,” especially when paired with its anonymity feature. For shy or anxious learners, this was a game-changer.

However, Padlet’s reliance on internet access remains a concern in areas with unreliable infrastructure [[Kharis et al., 2020]].



Not Without Challenges

Even the most promising tools face friction when introduced into real classrooms. Padlet’s challenges include:

  • Technical Barriers
    In Vietnam, students cited slow internet and lack of compatible devices as recurring frustrations [[paic-6-22.pdf]].

  • Digital Literacy Gaps
    In Jordan, some instructors and students struggled with unstructured Padlet walls that became disorganized and hard to follow [[EJ1352117.pdf]].

  • Limited for Deeper Tasks
    Teachers in Ghana noted that while Padlet is excellent for brainstorming or reflection, it’s less suited for grading or complex discussions [[5262-19775-1-PB.pdf]].

“It’s great for sparking ideas—but not for deep dives into content.” – Ghanaian teacher

Conclusion: A Tool Worth Building On

Padlet succeeds in transforming classrooms into collaborative, visual learning spaces. From anonymous feedback in Ghana to essay drafts in Vietnam, it proves that low-barrier tech can spark high-impact learning—when used with purpose.


Its continued relevance depends on how teachers integrate it, how students are guided to use it meaningfully, and whether access barriers are addressed.

Padlet is not just a tool—it’s a mirror. It reflects both the potential of educational technology and the persistent gaps in digital equity.

So, will your classroom be the next to unlock its potential?

📚 References

  • Boateng, S., & Nyamekye, M. (2022). Learning Sciences with Technology: The Use of Padlet Pedagogical Tool to Improve High School Learners’ Attainment in Integrated Sciences. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research. [[5262-19775-1-PB.pdf]]

  • Al-Zahrani, F. K. (2021). The Effectiveness of Electronic Walls (Padlet) in Developing English Language Skills. Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies. [[EJ1352117.pdf]]

  • Vu, T. K. C., Nguyen, H. T. T., & Dang, V. M. T. (2025). An Investigation into Students’ Perceptions of Using Padlet as a Discussion Board at Saigon University. Proceedings of the AsiaCALL International Conference. [[paic-6-22.pdf]]

  • Kharis, K., Dameria, C., & Ebner, M. (2020). Perception and Acceptance of Padlet as a Microblogging Platform for Writing Skills. International Association of Online Engineering.

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