Martha Brown and Dr. Kim Bush from North Carolina State University recorded a session for the 2020 Lilly Conference Online. I watched it tonight and learned a different way of using Padlet.com in courses, valuing student privacy and anxiety concerns, and engagement research. Bush began by defining student motivation by quoting Barkley 2010 as “student engagement is intersection of motivation and active learning.” I had never considered it this way and the connections with motivation AND active learning! I appreciate how the presenters emphasized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space while also teaching concepts and encouraging thoughtful discussions. The course discussed in this presentation is PRT 376 – Sport Administration with a synchronous session after assigned online lessons. Brown explained how Padlet activities were used in the course and how the virtual boards can provide anonymity. Padlet was used during Zoom through the chat option and by sharing the instructor screen. One question at a time was posted to Padlet from a document. Brown read each response to the class participants. Brown mentioned lessons learned: the class lesson was not recorded to provide a safe environment. The questions were listed one at a time to provide students with time to focus on a discussion. A journal entry was required after each session. Students shared personal and thoughtful comments according to Brown. A PDF of the Padlet was uploaded to the Learning Management System (LMS) for reference; their responses on Padlet were anonymous. Relate the material to things that currently affect students. Gradually, more students felt comfortable sharing, and the quotes that Brown shared showed how students appreciated the opportunity to share without a high anxiety activity. Brown thought that students seemed more connected and shared their raw feelings. This presentation was thoughtful and provided useful tips and considerations. I haven’t used Padlet as much as Claire has, and when I do use Padlet boards, they are for feedback or brainstorming. I am also now more aware of linking out from the LMS and using apps or websites that are not mobile-friendly. Padlet is mobile friendly and has an app; however, I have heard some accessibility concerns. The concern for a safe space to motivate students to share and engage in truly productive and honest conversations is critical to keep in mind. I appreciate how the presenters made this clear to the audience and their students! Finally, the Google Slides design and images used were subtle yet captivating. References for images included Flaticon and Freepik. I’ll have to check these resources out for future presentations and work on using Padlet to start honest conversations like the presenters did in their course!
