Word Play

When it comes to looking at a page of a story, article, or anything that looks too much to read, sometimes students just won't be interested in even reading it. However in the article, "Words in a Cloud", written by Samantha Morra an idea is displayed to have a little fun with words.

In her article, she describes how she now uses a free-based Web tool called "Wordle" in the school environment. Wordle is a program that transforms any text into an image. In this case it is called a "word cloud. It will enhance colors and emphasize words in the text that are repetitively used. You are also able to edit it yourself and structure it however you like it. This worked well with students when it came to being creative in making images for projects. They were allowed to demonstrate theme and character for their "word clouds". It had also opened up discussions on the way some students would emphasize or categorize different words with each other. Many interpretations opened up and students had to use critical thinking skills to figure out what they got out of looking at each "word cloud". Students and even teachers became familiar with this program making it more appealing when it came to learning.

I really enjoyed this idea of incorporating imaging into texts. I would like to use this in my classroom because it will also allow students to express themselves and work up their imagination. It is also a good resource in practicing with the Web and the use on the computers. One thing I am a little worried about is that students would eventually used this program as an easy way out to do all their projects since the program does the majority of things for you.