Drawing+Tools

**Wordle is a Web 2.0 Drawing Tool that allows users to create word clouds from text that has been inputted into the site. The more important the word is, the more it will show up in the word cloud. For example, a word that is repeated will appear more often or larger in the cloud. Once the cloud is generated from the site, the user can change the font, the layout, and even the color schemes. This can be a great visual tool to help students see words in a different format. This can be a great getting to know you activity on the first week of school. Students can type words or phrases that represent themselves and present them to the teacher and class. This can allow for teachers to get to know their students better in a fun using technology and incorporating writing.**

**Wordle can also be used as a chapter or unit word wall. Instead of having a large bulletin board as a word wall, students can create their own word wall posters through use of Wordle. Students can use synonyms for their main vocabulary words, give examples, and give simple definitions and then present them to the class. This can promote higher achievement of learning for students in a way for them to look at a vocabulary word more in depth and have a visual representation to help with memory and understanding. According to Gambrell and Morrow (2011), Along with the use of teacher assessment methods, it may be important to ask students to evaluate themselves in terms of their word learning. Using knowledge ratings and other techniques, you can encourage students to become self reflective about the words they need to learn and the ways they need to go about learning them” (as cited in Blachowicz and Fisher, 2011, p. 240).**

**Here is a sample of Wordle**



**Some** **othe****r Dra****wing Tools to try are posted below. Simply click the picture to view the website.**





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