Padlet Support & Guidance

Vanilla & Backpack Padlet Accounts

Please note that throughout the Padlet Support & Guidance activity, there will be references to "Vanilla" and "Backpack" Padlet accounts; these are described and function as follows;

Vanilla

A “Vanilla” Padlet account is a basic and free Padlet account type and is intended for external or public use, and is therefore unsuitable for use within nor managed by OCA.

Identifying a Vanilla Padlet Account

Web Browser

A “Vanilla” Padlet and/or Padlet account can be identified within a web browser via the “padlet.com” URL, as demonstrated in the screenshot below.

Screenshot demonstrating the padlet.com URL.

Mobile & Tablet App

Users of the Padlet app will also be initially prompted to sign into a "vanilla" Padlet account prior to selecting the 'Backpack or Briefcase User' option, as further explained in the Access and Signing In sub-chapter.

Backpack

A “Backpack” Padlet account type is a premium and OCA managed Padlet account suitable for use within OCA.

Identifying a Vanilla Padlet Account

Web Browser

A “Backpack” Padlet and/or Padlet account can be identified within a web browser via the “oca.padlet.org” URL, as demonstrated in the screenshot below.

Screenshot demonstrating the oca.padlet.org URL.

Mobile & Tablet App

Users of the Padlet app will need to select the ‘Backpack or Briefcase User’ option, as explained in the Access and Signing In sub-chapter, prior to signing in using their OCA email address and password.

Summary

In summary, a “Vanilla” account type is to be used by a member of the public, while OCA students should be using their OCA “Backpack” account.

As a student with an OCA email address, it is possible to create an account using both account types, and students should therefore follow the applicable guidance provided when signing into Padlet and ensure to use a "Backpack" account type.