It is always helpful to minimise the number of different tools (and logins 🙄). Discussions can be really good for in-class discursive exercises, but are not set up for that in terms of the visual layout. I use only some very basic features of Padlet, and would prefer it if I don't have to leave Canvas for my in-class exercises - don't tell me to embed Padlets into Canvas pages...students will still have to go to the Padlet to participate...
Discussions already have most of the needed functionality. When creating a new Discussion, add the option for the instructor to set the discussion as a "Noticeboard". Selecting this option should change the visual interface thus: 1. When link is clicked in Canvas, open in new browser tab. 2. Use simplified view - without header, footer, navigation, etc...use the full browser window just for the discussion. 3. Offer a range of visuals based on CSS setting of background of the page and the look of the reply DIVs. 4. Author and creation name of the reply should be at the bottom, not top. 5. Use masonry layout for the replies.
