Wordle is a timer based word game in which you are given letters to create a word as fast as you can! If you get stuck you can use a Skip but use them wisely! Compete with friends and work to achieve the top score on our global leaderboard!
Easy to use Word Cloud generator that illustrates text by increasing the size of often repeated words. Students could illustrate their vocabulary or a concept using a word cloud, teachers could ask a question and illustrate the common responses, etc. Easy to use tool that help connect background knowledge to new concepts. Look/feel is not as customizable as other word cloud tools but it seems to be the most intuitive to use. Wordle is based on Java so browser needs to have java enabled and functioning.
I use Wordle with my Web-Based Teaching and Learning Course to demonstrate to faculty how they can use WordClouds in a diversity of ways, but in particular I focus it on how it can be used to create a welcoming community for their learners. I have them enter their expectations and goals for taking the course (as it relates to transitioning to teaching online and hybrid formats) into Wordle. They then share the results on an online discussion board within the learning management system and respond to one of their classmate/colleague’s posts.
Responses to the tool are positive. For many they have seen wordclouds before, but did not incorporate them in their practice. I share with them some excellent resources to help them see the value of using wordclouds for education including this one – http://www.teachthought.com/literacy-2/19-interesting-ways-to-use-word-clouds-for-learning/. After they share their wordclouds I explain the value of creating community and ways to integrate technology to support lesson objectives. It is a quick, positive and fun way to start off a course that focuses on best practices in teaching online because it emphasizes the importance in understanding learner needs, backgrounds, preconceptions and expectations.
The only drawbacks to this tool are:
Wordle uses Java – I am a Mac user, as are many educators, so this makes it rough at times to get them over the technology obstacle. However, in my course having technology issues serves as good dialog for how to support learners so I am never too bothered by these issues.
Also, Wordle does not have shape choices. You just get a cloud. I like Tagxedo for word clouds a bit better because it includes the option of placing the words in a shape.
4.00 / 5
Easy to use Word Cloud generator that illustrates text by increasing the size of often repeated words. Students could illustrate their vocabulary or a concept using a word cloud, teachers could ask a question and illustrate the common responses, etc. Easy to use tool that help connect background knowledge to new concepts. Look/feel is not as customizable as other word cloud tools but it seems to be the most intuitive to use. Wordle is based on Java so browser needs to have java enabled and functioning.
Samples – http://www.wordle.net/display/wrdl/1381018/US_Constitution, http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/6655132/Digital_Literecy
I use Wordle with my Web-Based Teaching and Learning Course to demonstrate to faculty how they can use WordClouds in a diversity of ways, but in particular I focus it on how it can be used to create a welcoming community for their learners. I have them enter their expectations and goals for taking the course (as it relates to transitioning to teaching online and hybrid formats) into Wordle. They then share the results on an online discussion board within the learning management system and respond to one of their classmate/colleague’s posts.
Responses to the tool are positive. For many they have seen wordclouds before, but did not incorporate them in their practice. I share with them some excellent resources to help them see the value of using wordclouds for education including this one – http://www.teachthought.com/literacy-2/19-interesting-ways-to-use-word-clouds-for-learning/. After they share their wordclouds I explain the value of creating community and ways to integrate technology to support lesson objectives. It is a quick, positive and fun way to start off a course that focuses on best practices in teaching online because it emphasizes the importance in understanding learner needs, backgrounds, preconceptions and expectations.
The only drawbacks to this tool are:
Wordle uses Java – I am a Mac user, as are many educators, so this makes it rough at times to get them over the technology obstacle. However, in my course having technology issues serves as good dialog for how to support learners so I am never too bothered by these issues.
Also, Wordle does not have shape choices. You just get a cloud. I like Tagxedo for word clouds a bit better because it includes the option of placing the words in a shape.