Two tools were explored for this lesson. First, Wordle which was created by Jonathan Feinberg is a very fun site where you type in the words and the site arranges it on a page in a really cool layout. The first example I came to in the gallery was titled English Notebook cover and it got me thinking right away about ways to use this in a classroom setting. You do get some control over the appearance as far as the font used and how the words are put on the page. It even let me put in phrases (instead of single words). Here is my wordle titled Conversing. As far as an interactive site, there are no places for comments, ratings, or discussions. You put your creation in the public gallery and others are able to see your work so it is shared. It does allow you to print your page, however. This could be used as a first day team building or get to know you activity. You could put your course syllabus in Wordle. It would be great for subject vocabulary. I saw a list of most commonly used words on TAKS test awhile back - that might be something to put in Wordle. It might be a different way to present a report on a book or article you read (and one attractive enough to put on display in the classroom or hallway). It could provide vocabulary as a precursor to a lesson. On a personal note, it would make a great addition to a scrapbook photo album or added to a picture in a frame. I am sure I could go on and on and on, but you get the idea. I also checked out Ta-da lists. Great opportunity for sharing on this one. A list is created and you indicate who is allowed to change the list and it will even let you know when the list has been changed via RSS or e-mail. It allows others to check when an item has been taken care of, add or delete from the list, etc. This could be used by a classroom to keep up with where they are in the six weeks, or school year, or used by a group on a project.
Great ideas for the Ta-da lists. I can't wait to use it next year!
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