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Many teachers understand the power of an image as well as words can paint a powerful picture. Word clouds are excellent tools to help paint those pictures, so students can examine a deeper understanding. A lot of teachers use various tools like http://www.wordle.net/ or http://www.worditout.com/, but I came across a new tool (new to me) called Tagxedo. It's tag line speaks volumes to me: "Word Clouds with Style". There are many uses of word clouds in education. A word cloud takes a speech, writings, exerpts and creates a image of the words. The more the word is used the larger it will be in the word cloud. Here is an examples:


Check it out and give it a try! http://www.tagxedo.com/

iMovie HD video

Video in the classroom can be an effective tool. I remember in high school that anytime I had a coach as a teacher, video was used. We watched and anwsered a series of questions. That worked, but was rather boring and not so engaging. How can students use video to make the most out of their classroom experience?It is quite simple. Since most students today are familiar and comfortable with technology the learning curve has dramatically been shorten. Apple has a great iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch app called iMovie ($3.99). The iPhone 4G can shot HD video at 720p which produce great quality. Students can shoot experiments, math problem process, interviews, etc....It is really up to their creativity. The other day I filmed my son playing baseball to show its ease. If I can pitch a ball, film a 3 year hitting and running the bases, as well as edit the movie with him wanting to see, it is easy to use. Trust Me.
The uses for iMovie are endless. It is totally up to the teacher and students on where they can take their creativity.