MERLOT Learning Material Evaluation: Wordle

A sample Wordle word cloud based on the instructions for this assignment

This is an evaluation of the MERLOT Learning Material "Interesting Ways to Use Wordle in the Classroom" by Tom Barrett and submitted by Dorothy Fuller.  The GoogleDocs presentation provides examples of how to use Wordle in a variety of subjects and grade levels.  Educators are encouraged to submit ideas, which are reviewed and added to the document.

Wordle is an excellent example of a simple, flexible teaching tool that generates unique and dynamic word clouds.  Although it was difficult to choose, my favorite ideas from the presentation are Wordle Word Walls (slide #34), Using Wordle for Character Descriptions (slide #23), and Guess the Fairytale (slide #6).  Wordle is a quick and easy way to add relevant, dynamic graphics to a variety of applications.

 

Quality of Content

Wordle is a tool that can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom.  My four-star rating is based on the fact that is it merely a tool, and is subject to an individual's use of the tool and how the individual connects the tool to learning within the classroom.

I also rate the GoogleDocs presentation at four stars.  Fifty-two interesting ways to use Wordle in the classroom are presented, and most of the examples are of high quality and appear to be connected to educationally significant concepts.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching-Learning Tool

Wordle can be used in a variety of stages in the learning process/cycle.  A Wordle could be used as an introduction to the explanation portion of the learning process.  It could be also be used as a graphic organizer in the demonstration or practice stage, as either a teacher-created or student-created activity.

The presentation is focused on providing many ideas to incorporate Wordle in the classroom, and does not focus on one learning objective.  Students are able to use Wordle as a tool to generate word clouds, but the significance of Wordle output varies.  The target learners can range from early childhood to adult, and from technology-hesitant to technology-capable learners.  The media-rich presentation of material allows Wordle to enhance instruction, both for faculty and students, and the simplicity of the web-based software allows it to be readily integrated into a variety of curriculum and pedagogy.  Although reaching teaching-learning goals are dependent on user capabilities, the GoogleDocs presentation provides a variety of examples for use.  The document's slides contain teaching-learning goals that are easy to identify, and are a wonderful starting point to create customized learning assignments for one's own classroom use.

Ease of Use

The layout of the computer interface is extremely easy to use, and is consistent and visually distinct.  Wordle is a two-step process, so it is unlikely that the user will get trapped or lost in the material.  The website has a clearly written troubleshooting guide that is easy to navigate.  Wordle is not flexible in its use; it only generates word clouds.  Most children would have no problem generating their own word clouds with little or no instruction, and Wordle's output is attractive and interesting.  The clouds are easy to manipulate, and the limited options for colors and fonts are presented in a familiar format which allows students to customize their work without becoming overwhelmed.

Personal Learning Reflection

As my CEP 810 coursework draws to a close, it is time to reflect upon the learning that has occurred in the past eight weeks.  My goals at the beginning of class were to explore technology-based tools for differentiated instruction and to gain a better understanding of current "hot topics" in the realm of educational reform.  I feel that I have met my second goal reasonably well (using my RSS Feeds page and Twitter), but my first goal has evolved somewhat during the learning process.

I was given the opportunity to explore several technology-based tools for creating more meaningful instruction during the course.  These tools included Adobe Presenter, various blog platforms (Blogger and WordPress), and forums that facilitate discussion of teacher-supplied tips (MACUL Space and Twitter).  All of these tools are also important components of any technology-enhanced classroom, not just for differentiated instruction.  Since technology is changing so rapidly, I now realize the importance of having skills that allow me to grow in my knowledge of technology rather than just a few specific tools to enhance my teaching.

One of my assignments that exemplifies good teaching with technology is my Fourth Grade Public Issue Solution Campaign, the lesson I contributed in ANGEL to address one of the NETS-S standards.  This lesson meets Common Core Curriculum Standards in Social Studies and NETS-S standards in a project-based lesson with real community service outcomes.  Although some of my fellow classmates were skeptical of fourth grade students being successful with a project of this magnitude, I believe project-based learning can provide the motivation for students to excel in ways that may surprise adults.

From my experiences in an online class during CEP 810, I have a greater understanding of my students' perspectives in completing online course work.  A reliable and up-to-date Learning Management System that is mobile-compatible is the foundation of successful online learning.  It is important for the course content to be a balance of many easy-to-complete tasks, ample opportunity to participate in content discussion with classmates, and a few larger capstone projects (for example, one group project and two independent projects for a semester-long course).  Finally, encouraging instructor feedback and clear rubrics for projects help to create a supportive learning environment.

I have developed two new goals for my continued growth in the area of technology.  My first goal is to explore the use of handheld devices in a classroom setting to enhance learning.  My second goal is to follow the goals and timeline outlined in my Personal Technology Plan in order to intentionally gather a broad knowledge in areas of technology in which I am less than proficient.  It is my hope that these two goals will help me develop successful skills to create a technology-imbedded classroom.