Wordle

Wordle (accessible at www.wordle.net) is a unique online tool used to generate word cloud posters from text that the creator provides. The word clouds are creative collages of words in varying sizes, fonts, colors, and arrangements.

There are a few different ways to create a Wordle. One option is to copy and paste text from a particular website, blog, document, or ebook. Another is to provide a URL address for a website or blog with text that you want highlighted. A third option, which is the one I personally use most with students, is to have the students type in their own text that they want featured in their collage. The way Wordle works is that it makes the words that are repeated most the largest and most prominent (minus everyday words such as "the" and "a"), making these words stand out in importance in the collage. Once the collage is created by the Wordle generator, users have the option of changing the font, language, colors, layout, and arrangement to give it their own personal touch. There is also a "randomizer" feature, which can be used to try multiple random arrangments of fonts, layouts and colors. After the Wordle is created, there is an option to print it as a separate piece, or to post it to the public gallery.

Overall, this tool is very easy to use, and takes less than a class period (probably less than 10 minutes) to learn. All a user needs is guidance on how to navigate the website and demonstration of the tools, and then the rest is generally just learning personal preferences for the different options. The website is free to use, and there is no software required as the tool is completely contained within the website. It does not even require a log-on, though you can create one if you choose to.

This tool is useful for classrooms in a variety of different ways. I have used it in my English classes to demonstrate the function and effect of repetition in poetry and prose writing (both with professional work and student work), because the words that are repeated most are the largest and most prominent. My students also enjoy using it to make collages using the themes, symbols, and motifs that they found most important or interesting in the literature we have read. It could be also be used to creatively display important quotations for literature. I can see it being useful for other subjects besides English in creating vocabulary word walls, and categorizing different words surrounding a theme or unit in the subject. Lastly, it is a great tool for the students to use for self-expression.

Overall, the tool is worth learning for teachers because it has a variety of possibilities for use in the classroom. My students enjoyed using Wordle, and after using it in class, several of them started using it for other projects in other classes and for clubs. Another benefit is that when they are all printed out, it is a great opportunity to display student work, which is not always so easy to do in high school classrooms.