Digital Toolbox for Higher Education Success by Brad Malpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq en-us 2025-05-22 01:38:13 UTC 2025-11-15 22:52:22 UTC hello@padlet.com Digital Tool Show and Tell bradmalpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156009 Students take turns presenting their favorite digital tool or app that helps them with their studies. They demonstrate how to use it and explain why it's valuable. Each presenter has 5 minutes, followed by 2 minutes of Q&A. Tools can include note-taking apps, citation managers, planning tools, etc. (Panchenko, 2021).

]]> 2025-05-22 01:38:13 UTC https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156009 Citation Manager Workshop bradmalpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156084 Students learn to use a citation manager or through hands-on practice for APA format. They must add 5 different types of sources, create a reference page, and insert citations into a provided document. Partners review each other's work using a checklist.

]]> 2025-05-22 01:38:15 UTC https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156084 Digital Calendar Challenge bradmalpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156087 Students would be provided with a fictional semester schedule including classes, assignments, group projects, and personal commitments. They must use a digital calendar tool to organize everything effectively, set reminders, and share calendars with group members. Finally, presenting their organization strategy to small groups.

]]> 2025-05-22 01:38:15 UTC https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156087 Virtual Collaboration Simulation bradmalpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156091 Assign a group project that must be completed entirely using digital collaboration tools. Teams must use video conferencing, shared documents, project management tools, and digital whiteboards to complete a simple task. Reflect on the effectiveness of tools and challenges in collaboration.

]]> 2025-05-22 01:38:15 UTC https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156091 Academic Database Treasure Hunt bradmalpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156092 2025-05-22 01:38:15 UTC https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156092 Digital Security Escape Room bradmalpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156093 2025-05-22 01:38:15 UTC https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156093 Learning Management System Race bradmalpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156098 Create a timed challenge where students must complete various tasks within the learning management system (e.g., Google Classroom, Canvas, Blackboard, Halo). Include submitting assignments, participating in discussions, checking grades, and adjusting notification settings. The first to complete all tasks correctly wins.

]]> 2025-05-22 01:38:15 UTC https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3462156098 Language & Ethnicity bradmalpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3465169082 20% of the class speaks a language other than English, which also aligns with the ethnic diversity of the class.

]]> 2025-05-23 18:00:12 UTC https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3465169082 Work & Education bradmalpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3465179546 60% of learners have worked to serve others in healthcare or education. Half of the learners have at least one higher education degree.

]]> 2025-05-23 18:16:36 UTC https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3465179546 Learner Preferences & Tech bradmalpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3465187441 The majority prefer visual learning, but also learn through hands-on and reading/writing.


The majority of the class is comfortable using technology, but there are some students that will need support.

]]> 2025-05-23 18:29:46 UTC https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3465187441 Challenges & Goals bradmalpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3465197106 Time constraints and test anxiety are the two most prominent challenges. There are also learning disabilities as well as technology literacy challenges.


All learners are looking to improve themselves; some professionally and some personally.

]]> 2025-05-23 18:43:28 UTC https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3465197106 Belonging as an Adult Learner bradmalpert https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3469679460 A sense of belonging is essential in adult learning. It affects motivation, engagement, and persistence. According to Lawson (2005), Maslow’s hierarchy of needs places belonging after physiological and safety needs, highlighting its importance as more significant than achieving higher learning and self-actualization. When adult learners feel valued and connected in a learning environment, they are more likely to engage in their growth and embrace transformative learning experiences. Transformative learning theory, developed by Mezirow (1991), emphasizes that critical reflection and discussions with others can lead to personal changes. These interactions work best when learners feel safe and included.


Mackh (2024) notes that adult learning environments must intentionally build community through careful design. This can involve strategies like inclusive discussion forums, collaborative projects, and personalized feedback that acknowledge learners’ varied experiences and perspectives. In my own digital toolkit, the design includes icebreaker activities, cohort-based mentoring, and multimedia storytelling to create connections and shared goals. These aspects not only support cognitive development but also nurture the emotional and social aspects of learning, enhancing the learner's sense of belonging and dedication to the learning process.

]]> 2025-05-27 19:25:10 UTC https://padlet.com/bradmalpert/vnv489ka08mjhlaq/wish/3469679460