Padlet: January 2025 new features

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Welcome to the first features update for the new institutional Padlet license. If you haven’t already activated your university Padlet account, you can do so via the activation link on the Blackboard homepage.  

This month, we cover two updates in response to frequently asked questions: 

  • How accessible is Padlet?  
  • How do I protect Padlet content from being copied by students?  

How accessible is Padlet? New enhancements and user guidance

This month, Padlet updated their accessibility FAQs to include detailed information for screen reader users and those requiring keyboard short cuts. When using Padlet for T&L, please signpost this information to students; you can give a direct link to the University student support guide: Padlet.

Good to know: 

  • Padlet works well with a variety of screen reader tools and now features improved keyboard navigation. See an example screen reader view in the screenshot below. 
  • Padlet boards are broadly compliant with recognised basic levels of accessibility for websites (Level A Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). When using Padlet with your students, follow the university Padlet: Accessibility recommendations to enhance the experience for all, particularly options for dealing with post imagery.
  • Padlet is committed to continuously improving accessibility experiences; you can find the most recent accessibility enhancements via Padlet’s December update. 

Screenshot showing an example of the screen reader view when using a padlet with sections. The sections appear as a list over-layed on the padlet board.

How do I protect Padlet content from being copied by students? New copy protection options

This month, Padlet introduced new additional options to control Padlet exports, remakes and post downloads. This is useful if you want additional security (for ‘School only’ or ‘Secret’ Padlets), for example, to prevent students from exporting the board, downloading post attachments, or using the ‘remake’ button; all these options (and more!) can now be disabled in the settings menu. For a full list, see Padlet’s update about Copy Protection. 

Screenshot showing the location of copy protection options on a padlet boards under the settings menu at the end of the settings option menu

What next? 

  • Padlet are working towards a Blackboard integration during Semester 2 (date to be confirmed).  
  • Look out for more ‘Getting started with Padlet’ sessions as they are added to the TEL training calendar and advertised via email throughout Semester 2, or contact CQSD TEL to book a bespoke workshop for your programme team. 

If you have a query about the institutional Padlet license, please raise a ticket with the TEL Team. 

 

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