This week, we were introduced to and explored three different online tools which can be used by teachers. Wordle, while fun to create, is not a tool I can see myself using with my students. Although I may use it to print out a special, unique gift for my fiance. :) Quizlet, however, I may try to use in my classroom. My students, who are all from East Africa and have very little education, for the most part do not use computers. However, I have been using Powerpoint to introduce new vocabulary to them, making one slide with a picture for each word. Quizlet, however, might be a better way to introduce the new vocabulary to them in class on the computer screen, mainly because it took me MUCH less time to create a vocabulary set, using Quizlet's stock photos, than for me to go online and track down each picture to include in my Powerpoint presentation.
I also very much enjoyed using Puzzlemaker, and I think that this could be a great tool for creating homework assignments for my more advanced students to practice the vocabulary. I created a cross-word puzzle for them, which may prove too difficult for many of my students, but I'm going to give it a try. :) As well, I have an assistant with me to help out in my class, and this would be a great opportunity for them to work one-on-one with my more advanced students. I will keep you updated on the success (or lack there of) of this tool in my classroom. I also look forward to trying the other available puzzle types on Puzzlemaker as well.
