This week, the Edtech Challenge is to integrate a word cloud generator tool into a writing lesson or unit of study. Word clouds can be used in all subject areas, so if you don't teach writing, then try it with something else. Most teachers are familiar with word clouds, but even if you have never tried it before, I am sure you will find it very easy and fun (and free). Keep in mind that the fun doesn't have to end with this one lesson. The purpose of this challenge is not just doing a "wordle" with your students, it's about integrating a tool that enhances learning. If you find this tool to be effective, continue to use it throughout the school year.
Here are some ways that you can use word clouds during Writer's Workshop:
- Create a word cloud with the lesson's learning objectives.
- Turn your anchor charts into word clouds (or have your students do this).
- Students can create a word cloud of their writing ideas and keep it in their writer's notebook.
- Students can discuss the essential question(s) of the unit and generate a word cloud based off their discussion.
- Create a word cloud from a writing rubric.
- Students can create word clouds from their writing pieces.
- Spice up your word walls with synonym word clouds or word family word clouds.
- Students can use word clouds to create a visual of their word choice.
- Enter a passage from a book or a poem to discuss word choice, ideas or other writing traits.
- Have students copy and paste a chapter from one of their favorite books (using Google books) and then write a story using the top 10 key words.
Here are some things to consider as you attempt this Edtech Challenge:
- Explore different word cloud generators. Wordle.net is a popular one, but there are others out there with some interesting features such as choosing a shape for the cloud. Here are a few to try: Word it Out, ABCya Word Clouds, Tagxedo, and Tagul.
- How will use display the word clouds? Save the images as jpegs to insert into your websites, blogs, wikis, and smartboard files. Save as pdfs for printing.
- Check out some other online resources about using word clouds in the classroom. Here are some examples: How to Make Word Clouds in the Classroom by Jonathan Wylie, 108 Ways to Use Word Clouds in the Classroom by Michael Gorman, Edunology
Have a great time with this Edtech Challenge. Please share your experience by posting comments.
I'm using wordle as a revising tool for the personal narratives. Students are pasting in their entire draft and creating a wordle. Then we are looking at the most frequently used words. They should see that the characters and main idea stand out. Some words (especially verbs) may be overused. Then they use that information to revise their writing. I've found that it also points out spelling inconsistencies, capitalization, and typing errors (no spaces between sentences). I'll have the students print a final wordle to go with their stories too.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Jean! We are just entering the editing and revising stage for our realistic fiction stories. I am going to try this and see if there is word overuse or some of the other items you pointed out above. I wonder how quotation marks will work out or if they need to be removed...I will let you know.
DeleteThat is an awesome way to use word clouds for writing instruction. The way that your are integrating the technology is innovative and it really becomes a tool for learning, not just something that looks good.
ReplyDeleteWe have used ABCya to create word clouds for our social studies topic all about me. Students spent a few days writing about themselves and then we put it into a word cloud and displayed in the classroom along with thier photograph. They really enjoyed designing them. I have a picture of this but cannot figure out how to upload to the blog!
ReplyDeleteMy class used wordle.net to brainstorm important elements from summer reading books during our first days in school. I am interested in trying this with our prefix word work unit and I want to make the creative shapes. Can you tell me the best program to use?
ReplyDelete