Adult Distance Learning new Web 2.0 Tool: Wordle
Adult Distance Learning new Web 2.0 Tool: Wordle
Adult Distance Learning new Web 2.0 Tool: Wordle
This learning scenario is designed to introduce the learner to a new Web 2.0 tool that may be useful to them in their individual situations. It is a quick and easy learning scenario designed to use minimal materials and a small amount of time, while providing group interaction.
Subjects
Other Grades
K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 >12 Objectives:
Describe something important to the learner by typing text in Wordle.
Create a graphic representation of themselves (job, school, home, etc) relevant to their situation.
Analyze the effectiveness of Wordle to increase interest in a subject.
Explain how the Wordle experience could be applied in the future in a scenario relevant to them.
Materials:
• Facebook collaboration page (active link)
• Written instructions
• Active link to Wordle.net
• Checklist for assessment
Cyndee Taresh
About the author
Procedure:
• Click on the active link to the Wordle site: http://www.wordle.net/
• Create a new Wordle by following the instructions on the website. It is very easy.
• Choose text from an existing document if you have it and copy paste it into the Wordle text box. Examples, a resume, a biography, award, employee evaluation, job description, student recognition letter, etc. Otherwise, you can brainstorm as much information about yourself, what is important to you, or what you do for a living into the Wordle text box. If you need inspiration, browse through the Wordle gallery.
• Save it to the public gallery (you can delete it later) and post it on our Facebook collaboration page along with a description of what you chose as your text subject (resume, hobbies, etc). When you save it to the public gallery it will pop up a new window that gives you a deletion code and the opportunity to paste your design onto a website or blog using HTML code. On this page scroll to the bottom and you will see a choice to “open in window”, click on that and your Wordle opens in a window by itself. Then you can full screen the Wordle and do a screen shot that you can save to your desktop for pasting on the Facebook collaboration page.
• Write a short paragraph on what you liked or disliked about using Wordle; if you had fun using Wordle; if you would share this tool in a learning environment to teach someone else something and if so, who, what, where, and how. Post your paragraph on our Facebook collaboration page.
• Comment on other students’ posted designs, asking leading questions to stimulate collaboration and interaction between students.
• Have fun and be creative! I used my resume to create my first Wordle and I am going to include it on my business cards on the back. The image on our Facebook collaboration page is my resume Wordle.
Assessment:
Simple checklist: 1. Wordle created and uploaded onto Facebook. 2. Reflection comments. 3. Comments on other students posted designs.
Technology:
Wordle is the tool used for this learning scenario. It is a text tool used to create “word clouds”; designs depicting a graphic representation of text. This is an easy to use and free online tool. “If a picture paints a thousand words, Wordle uses your words to create a visual depiction of your text”.www.wordle.net
Reflection:
Learner reflection will be accomplished by commenting on the Facebook page after posting their design. b. Trainer will reflect on all comments posted by students to glean what went well, what needs improvement and how the scenario could be completed better in the future. As issues are revealed, trainer will adjust instructions as needed.
Audience:
Global Adult Learners
Making Connections:
The scenario must offer opportunities for the learner to connect on different levels. Explain what types of connections are being made and how those connections will help deep learning take place. How will your learner connect with: a) Previous knowledge in order to create new knowledge. Students are introduced to a new Web 2.0 tool and learn how to use it. Previous knowledge of the internet and typing is recommended. b) Something that is relevant for them (the target audience). Students choose text based on their own situation (resume, hobbies, job description, etc). c) With a local or global audience. Students use online collaboration to interact with a global group and learn a tool they can use later locally or in a virtual environment again globally.
Comments
Interesting project. I did not know about Wordle, so you taught me about a tool that may be of value to me. I enjoyed watching your video and reading the RILS that you created. I like the idea of creating a graphic or picture from text. This could make for a fun learning and collaboration project.
Thanks for the preview.
Great job on your RILS iMovie. I have used Wordle a couple of times. I actually have one at the end of my iMovie. Wordle is a lot of fun to use. I enjoy changing the fonts and colors. Wordle is one of the many Web 2.0 tools I plan on incorporating into my future classroom.
You have put on a spin on Wordle that I had not quite seen before. I like that you are using it in an environment and a way in which the user is building not only on creativity but on collaboration and sharing which is essential in making that connection in learning. I will have to work on using it more in my classroom setting and see how things work out. The one element that I can not implement though is Facebook because of blocking issues and students' age (they are 5 and 6 years old).
Your movie was great! I loved the writing on the still images. Your idea of using wordle for a resume or award description is unique. The instructions are well written and I feel that I could complete this RILS myself using this plan.
I love how created an assignment using Wordle. I think Wordle is a very powerful web 2.0 tool and you did a great job creating an interactive assignment. It's great how you also incorporated Facebook into it as well. Talk about really engaging students, what kids wouldn't like to go on Facebook for a class assignment? I've been struggling with creating an assignment using Wordle, you have inspired me to think outside the box when it comes to ways to use such a great web 2.0 tool.
Great use of Wordle and Facebook to complete your project, Cyndee! And your results were very clearly communicated in your iMovie. Now I can see how I could use this assignment in my classroom, thanks. I was a little unsure how to use it for high school kids, but the addition of a social component is all they need to motivate them!
The first time I was introduce to wordle.net was in the EMDT FullSail course MLT. The instructor made the wimba sessions more appealing by using this web 2.0 tool. The second time for me encountering wordle.net is now. The music in the video is cool. The RILS plan is awesome for adult learners. Wordle.net will be a tool I will incorporate in the classroom for when I crossover.
Cyndee, great work! I really enjoyed your lesson and the details you provided. Wordle looks like it is a lot of fun and can be used in many environments. You did a great job on your movie. I thought it was really cool.
Good video. I am amazed at all the tools available for EMDT. This is an exciting experience.