4. Wordle
Wordle is another of those tools that may
have begun life as an online novelty, but which canny teachers have since
co-opted for use in the classroom. You'll no doubt have encountered Wordle clouds before; those
intriguing little bundles of various-sized words visually showing which terms
are the most frequently used in a section of text.
Below is a wordle I made using Wilfred's Owen's Dulce et Decorum est: See what words stand out?
Ideas for use: How about this as a fresh way to
kick-start a Citizenship, Politics, Sociology or General Studies lesson? You
can create Wordles in seconds by pasting the text from on line newspaper
articles, then use them as a springboard for discussion. Key Stage 4 and 5
Media Studies and English Language students could make a series of Wordles
using articles from different news outlets that cover the same story to
instigate a discussion on register, diction and media bias.
Wordle can also be used to carry out
snapshot classroom polls, making lists of useful terms, or as an icebreaking
activity for new pupils: they can make Wordles from lists of their favourite
things.
Key Stage 4 and 5 Language and
Literature teachers can paste chapters of copyright-free novels into Wordle to
create lexis clouds that demonstrate the diction chosen by a particular
novelist, playwright or poet. The text of political speeches can be similarly
uploaded for lessons on persuasive writing and the power of repetition.
Alternative Tagxedo is a tool
with the same basic idea, and the added option of making your word clouds in
various shapes (perfect for grouping together themed Modern Foreign Languages
vocabulary and making attractive wall displays).
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