Using Padlet’s AI Image Tool to Boost Student Engagement in Vocabulary Practice

Set-ups/Technology required

Device required:

Smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop; stable internet connection.

Step 1: 

Go to https://padlet.com/ to register for an account. XJTLU teachers can directly access https://xjtlu1.padlet.org (via XJTLU SSO). 

Step 2: 

Go to the “Discussion Board” section to create a Padlet board. Select the “Column” format and label each column title with a group number (Image 1).

Step 3: 

Obtain the sharing link and QR code.

Procedure

In this activity, students will work in groups to set up a virtual clothing store and design clothes to be displayed in their store.

Step 1: 

Divide students into groups of 3 or 4 and assign a group number to each. Each group will have its own column (labeled with their group number), which represents their virtual clothing store.

Step 2:

Share the QR code so students can access the Padlet. Guide them on how to use the AI image function:

• Click the “＋” button under each group column and select “More attachment types” (Image 2).
• Choose “AI Image” (Image 3).
• Write a prompt in Spanish (Image 4) to generate an image.

(Note: For the prompt, encourage students to give detailed descriptions of the clothing, including aspects such as color, material, style, etc.)

Step 3: 

Show students an example of a generated image and how to share it under each store column (Image 5).

Step 4:

After generating enough clothing images, each group should:

• Decide on a name for their virtual store.
• Discuss and select their top three clothing designs.
• Each group selects three representatives. Each representative will take turns introducing one of the three selected designs to the class in Spanish.
• After each representative’s introduction, other groups try to identify the corresponding design on the Padlet board. The teacher marks the identified design in the comments section (Image 6).
• Once all groups have finished presenting their top three designs, students pair up (across groups) and have a short conversation discussing which design they like most and why, using phrases and vocabulary related to clothing and preferences.

Step 5:

To conclude the activity, the teacher invites a few pairs or volunteers to share their favorite designs and reasons with the whole class.

Caveats and Alternatives

The image generation feature in Padlet is helpful for beginners learning any language and can be applied to other topics. For example, for the topic of “food”, the teacher can use it to ask students to design hamburgers for a virtual burger shop.

Some reflections:

• Despite the many AI tools available for generating images from text, Padlet’s AI feature stands out by integrating with its real-time sharing platform. Students can create and share images instantly without switching between different applications. In my classroom, students are always delighted to discover that Padlet can also generate images.
• Some students may use their native language when writing prompts, so teachers need to monitor closely during the activity.
• Generated images may sometimes reflect cultural stereotypes. Teachers should carefully review the images students upload and can have the option to reject any inappropriate submissions.

Additional Information

If students need to keep a record of their in-class designs, the teacher can select the “Share” option, export the content as an image or PDF, and then share it with the students.