Padlet is an easy to use platform to create a shared bulletin board to gather ideas, generate a debate, pin content to a map, or create a timeline. Participants can comment on and like each other’s posts. A maximum of 3 boards are allowed with the free version, but these can be reused or archived.

Classroom ideas

• On the first day of class, use a bulletin board with questions asking for students’ opinions on themes discussed throughout the semester. Ask them what they look forward to learning about. Ask them what questions they have about the class.
• Anonymous bulletin boards are a good way to gather student thoughts on a topic they may not feel comfortable sharing outloud. The Padlet will help gather a wide range of feedback, which often serves to break the ice and as a conversation starter. Once a student-generated idea is brought to the open, more people are likely to expand on the idea, opening a more robust discussion.
• A map padlet is a great class activity when discussing something that involves different geographic locations or historical events. Students can pin the location on the map, then post information about their research. 

Pear Deck is a useful Google Slides add-on for polling, open ended or multiple choice questions, or draggable icons. Students join with a code on their phone or computer. Since it's tied to your Google account, there's no additional software to download when going from one classroom to another.

If you primarily use PowerPoint and Office 365 then the Microsoft Forms add-on is a good option for polling and interactive questions on slides. When adding a form to a slideshow, use a blank slide for the form. Do not add a form to an existing slide because the form will replace the slide content. Students can join with a QR code or provided link.