Expanding Creative Communities in the Visual Arts: Using Padlet to Support Student Engagement and Belonging in Stressful Contexts

In the present moment, art educators need to facilitate high-quality online learning experiences through the integration of collaborative learning, peer-based feedback, and effective educational technologies. In practice-based visual arts courses, it is also essential to focus on student engagement with the studio processes and material outcomes at the core of emerging arts practices. As such, online practice-based arts learning presents unique challenges for students attempting to learn processes to produce resolved outcomes. While the implementation of Padlet as an online collaborative tool was motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic, its tangible impact on student engagement will see the platform remain a permanent part of the visual arts program at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ). Padlet allows students to build creative communities; it facilitates peer feedback and personal reflection; and it enhances resilience, skill development, and artist identity. The researchers affirm the potential of Padlet as an online engagement tool that can support creative practice and exchange.