Class information
BIO 110 – General Biology
21 students
Basic cellular structure, tissue organization, physiological process, reproduction and genetics are studied. Special attention is given to selected zoological specimens with particular emphasis upon man. This course is for non-majors with psychology being highly represented.
Project overview
Padlet is a powerful visual tool. Padlet provides a cloud-based software-as-a-service, hosting a real-time collaborative web platform in which users can upload, organize, and share content to virtual bulletin boards called “padlets.” Using Padlet, we could efficiently share responses to questions below.
- What does your name mean?
- What is life to you?
We then had a lecture on the overview of science and biology and then answered the subject related questions on a separate padlet the next class. The initial padlet gave people confidence and purpose and belonging so they could engage with new ideas and thinking.
- What is science?
- What is matter?
- How do living systems change?
- What is atomic structure?
Why did you select this project? How does it relate to identity and purpose?
I found my experience with Padlet to be very inviting and it led to incredible cohesion of the group. I loved how it uses visual and simple mechanics to engage thinking and connection. It also allows for a visual record to share and build upon.
This activity to break the ice on day one allowed for frictionless sharing in an efficient and simultaneous manner allowing learners to express and communicate at a personal pace. Engagement was across the board and people were growing into each others identity in a remarkable way. In a science class for general education non-majors this was critical to bridge to the next activity which promoted science thinking on the first lecture material. Padlet allowed us to meet initially in a place of familiarity and belonging in our personal identities and take a step toward growth and scientific thinking.
What advice do you have for other faculty who would like to implement a similar project?
This project works well but test out the tool before you try it and have a framework ready to draw the learners in. Give your response first and use the subject to have a name or do it anonymous. This project kept engagement and takes 30 minutes in class time.
Related materials
Welcome and identity board on Padlet
GENERAL BIOLOLGY SPRING 2022
Made with charisma
