Wordle

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Technology is definitely the catalyst to learning in today’s classroom. As teachers, we have been charged with preparing our students to enter into the fast paced technological world, and keep up with it. In order to do so, we need to be knowledgeable about the tools that we will be modeling in the classroom. With web tools 2.0, we have a starting point in our field.

Letting the students know why they are using certain technologies in class allows you to be open and it gives the students the sense that you are working with them when it comes to technology usage. The article states to “..motivate your use of new technology tools...it’s important that you focus on why you’re using the technology.” At the same time, a teacher needs to be sure that you do not overload the students with too much technology. Find something that works for you, play with it, and then roll it out to the students. One site that I have rolled out this year is schoology.com and it is a great tool. Once I learn something new, I introduce it to the students. One thing a teacher needs to try and avoid is having to ask the students how to use web tool 2.0 in class.

From social-networking to blogs to twitter to wikis to beyond, all are at our fingertips to take our classrooms to the next level. Teachers need to look outside the box/textbook and at the same time, not reinvent the wheel. There is something out there that works for a teacher and you need to look for the endless lessons or reviews available. As teachers, we are bogged down with lessons, duties, meetings, etc and many do not have the time to search for ideas. Go to review sites and see what our colleagues have to say about lessons and/or sites. Overall, the job we only be as hard as we make it.

I liked how simple the wordle page was to use. It is definitely a site that can be used for many ages. Younger students can use it to spot word wall words while my high school students can use this to show off their article summaries or writing exercises. I do not see too many problems with this except for students who would happen to use inappropriate language because the wordle will showcase those words. I cannot wait to use this in my classroom over the next month.
 * Wordle **