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Padlet [on the Web]

Working with digital pinboards

Both TaskCards and Padlet are web-based tools that allow notes, ideas, and (media) content to be collected on a digital pinboard independently of time and place. These can be created individually or in groups. In this way, different topics can be digitally visualised. The pinboards are an ideal tool for collaborative work.

Both tools are very intuitive to use and similar in their pinboard layout. The main differences are:

Padlet

  • … is provided by an American provider (Wallwisher, Inc.), which means that there are several data protection issues to consider (see below ‘Notes on Use’).
  • … offers a free basic version in which up to three pinboards can be created with the essential functions. In addition, there is a paid Pro version.

TaskCards

  • … is operated by a German company (dSign Systems GmbH). According to the company, this is carried out in compliance with the GDPR on servers located exclusively in Germany, making its use less problematic in terms of data protection compared to Padlet.
  • … offers a free basic version in which up to two pinboards can be created. In addition, there is a paid Basic licence (up to 6 pinboards) as well as a Pro licence (unlimited pinboards) for non-profit organisations. Licence overview

Overall, TaskCards offers more features than Padlet.

Getting to know Padlet & TaskCards

Possible Uses

+ Collect ideas and share them with others, as well as collaborate

+ Support (joint) project work (e.g. brainstorming, creating a schedule, compiling topics, etc.)

+ Visually present subject-related topics and connections as an overview or summary (for students) (example Padlet “Flipped Classroom: Key Points at a Glance”“Flipped Classroom: Key Points at a Glance”)

+ Actively involve students in courses (Why activation is so important) – both in the plenary with a shared digital pinboard and in small groups with several digital pinboards, which can later be reviewed in the plenary

Examples:

  • Collecting follow-up questions
  • Virtual brainstorming on a specific topic by creating a mind map
  • Structuring terms using the “structure laying technique”
  • Collecting aspects gathered with the help of “Think Pair Share”
  • Collecting ideas, opinions, comments via “brainwriting” or “silent discussion”

This would be conceivable both during the face-to-face session, whether physically in the room or virtually in an online meeting, as well as partly online in preparation for or follow-up to the course session.

Further ideas for using a digital pinboard for interactive seminar design

in Padlet & TaskCards

  • Pinboards can be created in different layouts, e.g. as a timeline or a map.
  • Websites, images, videos, audio recordings, and documents can be added.
  • The text of a card can be formatted.
  • Evaluation options such as likes are available.

in Padlet

  • Different permissions can be set for a pinboard (public, secret, password-protected, completely private, and organisation-wide)

in TaskCards

  • Different elements (video conferences, contact cards, and text fields) can be added.
  • Digital pinboards from Padlet can be imported to make the transition easier.
  • Permissions within a pinboard can be set for different groups with different access links. This allows for step-by-step release, e.g. in a weekly plan. Alternatively, the entire pinboard can be set to public or private.

Padlet

Padlet is a web-based tool and can be used in the browser on a computer as well as on mobile devices. For use on tablets or smartphones, there is also an app available for both iOS and Android.

Access Padlet:

To create and save a pinboard, a login is required. If you only want to add notes to a pinboard created by someone else, no login is necessary. For this, the pinboard must be set to “public” and editable, so that you only need the link to access and work on it.

Login is possible via a Google, Microsoft, or Apple account, or by creating a new registration.

Data protection Padlet:

The use of Padlet is problematic from a data protection perspective. Data is transmitted to an American company, which also includes personal data – if available. Personal data is collected during login, but also when accessing a Padlet pinboard simply via a link, i.e. without login. This is because the IP address – unless it is encrypted – is also considered personal data.

Therefore, the following should be noted:

  • Consider carefully whether you wish to disclose your personal data by registering.
  • Do not require others you work with—whether students or colleagues—to register in order to create their own Padlet pinboards.
  • Instead, prepare the Padlet pinboards with your own account so that others do not have to log in and can simply access them via a link.
  • Advise those with whom you share Padlet pinboards for collaboration to access them via VPN (“Campus” setting) and through the browser if they wish to encrypt their IP address.
    (Note for teaching: use of the tool must not be mandatory for participation in the course.)
  • Ensure that the content on the pinboards does not contain personal data.

Here you can find Padlet’s data protection regulations: Privacy Policy

Padlet licence models:

In the free basic version, up to three pinboards can be created – with all essential functions. If you need more pinboards or a higher data volume for file uploads, there is a paid Pro version.

TaskCards

TaskCards is an online platform that can be used in the browser – both on a computer and on mobile devices.

Access TaskCards:

To create and save a pinboard, a login is required. This requires an initial registration.

If you only want to add notes to a pinboard created by someone else, no login is necessary. For this, the pinboard must be set to “public” and editable, so that you only need the link to access and work on it.

Data protection TaskCards:

TaskCards is developed and operated by a German company: dSign Systems GmbH. According to the company, the servers for operating the platform are located exclusively in Germany, and the platform is operated in compliance with the GDPR. From a data protection perspective, TaskCards is therefore a recommended alternative to Padlet.

TaskCards licence models:

In the free basic version, up to two pinboards can be created – with all essential functions. If you need more pinboards or a higher data volume for file uploads, there is a paid Basic licence (up to 6 pinboards) as well as a Pro licence (unlimited pinboards) for non-profit organisations. Licence overview

These tools are intended as suggestions to help facilitate digital workflows in teaching and studying. They are freely available on the web and can be used free of charge (at least in a basic version). As they are not centrally provided by TU Darmstadt, we would like to point out that users are responsible for independently reviewing them in terms of data protection compliance. Please refer to our guidance for evaluating digital tools with regard to data protection.

If in doubt, please contact the colleagues in the data protection departmen.