The Internet tool called Padlet (http://padlet.com/gallery) uses the concept of graphic organizers, but does so much more.  Teachers and students can use it to create discussions, timelines, brainstorming webs, take notes, add videos, collect feedback, and even post and answer quizzes.  The pages are called walls.  Teachers and students can build any number of walls where others can view, collaborate, and edit.  Pictures, videos, and links are easily added to the wall.  The websites most appealing qualities are its simplicity and potential for instant collaboration. 

If teachers wish to make the walls private, they can do so.  A teacher adds students to the wall by providing them with the link and password.  Once they are added they can view and edit the wall.  There are many articles and blogs online that share creative ways to use Padlet in the classroom.  The tool can be utilized to create KWL charts, graphic organizers, or comparison and contrast charts in real time.  Students can also view and edit each other’s papers and give suggestions using Padlet.

The Getting Smart (http://gettingsmart.com/2013/02/padlet-todays-digital-sheet-of-paper/) website offers many useful articles and ideas about how teachers can engage reluctant readers using technology.  The website is organized in three categories:  EdTech, Leadership, and Learning.  A few of the titles included in a blog series are:  “Smart Ways to use Smart Phones in Class” and “The Future of Learning---Digital, Mobile, Real Time”.  The articles discuss a range of topics from President Obama’s goal of having a digital book for every student by 2017, to new concepts like students learning to code (program a computer), to BYOD (bring your own device) classrooms, to “25 Youtube Channels for Blended Learning”.  The site also includes a section for Learning Innovations, Learning Videos, Leadership Videos and Benefits of Blogging as a Learning Tool.