Journal #7

Word Cloud

The program that I would integrate into my lesson plans for a word cloud would be Wordclouds.com. I would use a word cloud for my 2nd grade students to practice writing/typing their spelling words for the week. On a weekly basis the students would need to create a word wall using spelling words provided to them on a weekly basis. This will help them to practice how to write/type the words and it could stimulate the visual learners learn the spelling of the words. This could also engage students to do something different since they get to change the colors of the words, and they would put them in different ways, and it has several options for word cloud to be created. The ISTE standard for students I would use for them is 1.1c students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practices and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways. I would create one for them first and then they will need to create their own. This would be a fun way for them to practice their words because it is something different from their normal routine of just writing the words over and over. By the students being engaged in something fun then they will get encouraged to want to learn more. The word cloud will acquire their creativity to create their word cloud because there are several ways for them to organize and to design their word cloud. They can choose their fonts, word colors, backgrounds, and choose which direction the words are going. The words could be placed inside a shape. There are several ways of them creating their own word cloud so, that will have them to be creative. The disadvantage of having students create the word cloud is that some students may get frustrated in designing the word cloud or how to use all the options for it. If this would happen then I would need to change to them possibly having them to do it on paper. They would use writing their words different ways and coloring them in different colors. They may also be able to cut out letters from magazines, newspaper articles or any other source to create their word cloud. The advantage of incorporating a word cloud to our ELAR lesson is for them to remember how to spell their spelling words for the week.