Have you noticed the ten (10) new posters in the library? Look up as you enter; they are straight overhead. They match library books to the IB Learner Profiles, linking a main character, theme, or other symbol to each specific profile. Some links are obvious, while others force the viewer to think about the connection. Under each book image appears a “word cloud.” You may have seen these word clouds used by professions as inspiration or to visualize a mission. The image is a collage of words. In general, the larger the word is, the more significant is the meaning.
The iPad app Word Collage was used to generate the word clouds. With this app, the user either types his own words or pastes text into the app and the app will generate the cloud. If unhappy with the results, the user can re-click and a new pattern will appear. The colors and fonts can also be personalized.
This app can pull together ideas and concepts in a way that supports visual learning styles. In the classroom, Word Collage is best used as a mini-project. For example, students can brainstorm ideas or create a representation of their notes. Or, they can create a Word College image to present or display their own writing. In every case, this app is very easy to use.
Are you Courageous? Are you an Inquirer? Are you a Thinker? What can you create with Word Collage?
