A Cloud of Words

Instructional Illuminations

A Cloud of Words

http://www.wordle.net/

What is a "cloud of words"? It is called a Wordle and it's creating a new teaching technique for 21st century educators. Wordle is a new, free Web 2.0 tool that creates a visual display of word clouds from text. The Wordle will show the frequency of word usage in a text by displaying the words most used in larger text.

Students can use the tool to monitor the frequency of word usage in their own writing or in any other document or article. They can modify the font, color, and design of the Wordle to create impressive artwork to accompany a research paper or reflective writing. Students who are visual learners can benefit from Wordle because it allows them to communicate and visualize a concept through words and art.

 

Other educational uses for Wordle include:

  • Capturing key-points of a historical document
  • Introducing new vocabulary
  • Spelling Lists
  • Reflections of a field trip
  • Revisions of student writing
  • Creating classroom poster
  • Analyzing characters from a story

In the complex world of Web 2.0, Wordle is a wonderful visualization tool that can engage students by creating discussion and insight. According to Samantha Morra, teacher and technology coordinator, "it is about understanding and discovering patterns in text and generating conversations among students and teachers."

 

Visit www.wordle.net to have your students create their own "word cloud" today.

 


 


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