Questions
- How do I access a Padlet in my Canvas course?
- My instructor added a Padlet to Canvas — how do I open it?
- Where do I find the Padlet link in Canvas?
- How do I use Padlet as a student in Canvas?
- Can I access a Canvas Padlet on my iPad?
- How do I open a Padlet from a Canvas page or module?
- Do I need a Padlet account to use it in Canvas?
Environment
This article applies to students whose instructor has added a Padlet to a Canvas course. You do not need to create a Padlet account in advance — your account is created automatically the first time you access a Padlet through Canvas.
- Platform: Any supported browser on a Mac or Windows PC; Safari on iPad
- Audience: Students
- Requires: Your instructor must have added a Padlet to the Canvas course
Resolution
Padlet is an online virtual bulletin board where students and instructors can collaborate, share links, post images, and reflect — all in a secure, shared space. Common uses include brainstorming, mind mapping, online portfolios, classroom discussions, and asynchronous learning activities.
Access a Padlet from Your Computer
- Log in to Canvas and navigate to your course.
- Locate the Padlet your instructor has shared. It may appear as:
- A link or embedded board inside a Page
- An item in a course Module
- A link in the course navigation menu
- Click the Padlet link or item to open it. It will load in your browser, either inline or in a new tab depending on how your instructor configured it.
- If prompted to sign in, select Continue with Bowdoin SSO and use your Bowdoin username and password. Your Padlet account is created automatically on first access.
Note: Your Padlet account is separate from your Bowdoin account. Padlet's integration with Bowdoin SSO is indirect — you sign in through Bowdoin, but Padlet maintains its own account for you.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.