Wordsift vs Wordle

Wordsift vs Wordle

Wordsift and wordle can be referred as ' word clouds'. It is a useful tool to help students to learn vocabulary in a very interesting way !


How it operates ?

1. Go to http://www.wordsift.com/  ( WORDSIFT ) or http://www.wordle.net/create ( WORDLE ).

2. Copy and paste the text on the website.

3. The tool will automatically identify the prominent vocabularies found in the text. #

4. Teacher can use the vocabularies in the lesson.


Which tool is better ?

There is no definite anwer for this question. It is based on teachers' and students' preferences. Both these tools have their own strengths which will be discussed below.


Advantages of wordsift :

• Provides an interesting pre-reading activity. For example, teachers may use the vocabularies for students to guess the gist of a reading text.

• The vocabulary can be organize. For example, teacher may organize the vocabulary from common to rare. In addition, teacher may also organize vocabulary alphabetically.

• Wordsift contain images which can help teacher to conduct his/her activity.#

• It is provided with thesaurus.

Advantages of Wordle:

• Teacher or students can create their own wordle based on their creativities.

• Teacher or students are given two choices ; copy and paste the text or copy the url of a website or blog. It is more convenient !

• Your wordle can be printed out.

• Your wordle can be saved.

• Suitable for pair work activity. For instance information gap activity in which students may predict each other's wordle.

• Interesting pre-reading activity. The colourful layout and themes may trigger students interest for the lesson.

So, as teachers we may choose either of these tools based on our students' needs.

PODCASTING VIA VOCAROO

What is Vocaroo ?

Vocaroo is a tool for voice recording.  Trust me, it is simple and AMAZING !

How it operates ?

1. Go to http://vocaroo.com/

2. Record your voice.

3. Save your recording.

4. Embed or send you recording to your teacher .


How it promotes language learning ?

1. Helps to enhance students speaking skills. Students may record their voice to practice their speaking skill in English language.
2.  Helps to improve students' pronunciation. Students may identify their mistakes in pronunciation  through voice recording. Then, they may correct their pronunciation. As a result, their pronunciation is improved.
3. Promotes self-directed learning. Students can practice their speaking skills at their own free time.
4. To build students' confidence to speak in the English language. Through practices, students may feel more confident to speak English in public.


Advantages :

1. FREE !

2. Allows students to practice their oral skills.

3. Practice students pronunciations.

4. Teachers can use this tool as a part of their lesson plans. For example, teacher may produce their own recordings and use it in the lesson.

5. This tool is useful for formative assessment. Teachers may provide feedbacks on students' recordings.

6. Students can hare their recordings several mediums such as social networks and email. More interesting, students can embed their recording on their blogs.

Disadvantages :

1. Students may find this tool is boring after some time due to lack of visual attractions. \
2. Voice can only be recorded through students' laptops or PC's.
3. Limited internet connection.