MODULE 2: Web 2.0 Tools for Creativity and Innovation - Tagxedo

1. Name of the Tool: Tagxedo

2. URL of the Tool: http://www.tagxedo.com/

3. Primary category for this tool: Creativity Tool

4. Description of Tool: Tagxedo is a cool tool that allows the user to turn words into clouds. It graphically emphasizes the most frequently used words. It is similar to Wordle, but unlike Wordle Tagxedo allows you to shape-fill, i.e. create word clouds into a given shape. This is an amazing creativity tool - allowing your imagination to go wild!

5. Prereqisite Skills:
Basic computer and internet skills are necessary. Easy to use - just follow the directions below.

6. Prerequisite Resources:
Again basic - internet access.

7. Use of Tool:
Click below to follow along with my podcast as you are browsing online...

http://msed-podcast.podomatic.com/entry/2010-07-18T13_23_56-07_00


1) go to website: http://www.tagxedo.com/



2) click "Create" or "Start Now" (shown with red circles/arrows in screenshot above)

3) add Words: Go to Words, Load, then enter a webpage or paste text, then press Submit



4) modify = Respins: modify color, theme, font, orientation, layout, or all



5) additional options:
- under Options: various shapes - with or without shaded shape, view history, edit layout options
- under Words: modify punctuations, numbers, etc



6) save your work: save as an image file (JPG or PNG)



7) create away!

8. Example:


I love the educational possibilities with this tool! In this example, I uploaded information about H1N1 swine flu from the CDC's website (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm). I've chosen pink pig color/shape themes and am using it to educate the public about a frightening disease and demystifying it in a light, clever, non-intimidating manner.

9. Scenarios:
Omg, where to I begin? I love this tool! A few possibilities..

1) Self-Reflection
This tool is great in promoting self-reflection. Students can write their thoughts, post expectations, or even upload blogs into the tool and see what words are most emphasized and frequent. Definitely an innovative way of looking at our thoughts and also as a starting point to continue the creative process.

2) Fabulous intro for a presentation
Another use for this tool is to create a picture, poster, or slide to start a presentation. It grabs the learners' attention and automatically initiates discussion. A chic and fabulous start to any presentation!

3) Interactive audience input
There are so many ways to use the tool to generate interactive audience response. Whether in the classroom or via distance education, typing or inputting data allows a group to view their thoughts in a creative way. K-12 grade schools are using this tool to upload everything from speeches to spelling lists. A few ideas for adult education include posting the following: expectations, brainstorming, quizzes, summaries, minutes, pre and post-tests, polls.

4) Prioritize curriculum
Because the most frequent words used are emphasized, I can see myself using this tool to step back and look at the curriculum I am currently developing. It allows me to view my progress and gives me ideas on where to go from here. Similar to curriculum development, this process can be used to review stories/speeches, create posters from essays, and review competing ideas from blogs. Truly, the possibilities are endless...

10. Advantages:

• It's so much fun!
• FREE
• Instant access - No sign-up, quick and easy, start instantly
• Modify as you want or let the tool do it automatically for you with Respins
• Lots of options to modify - several fonts, colors, themes, etc
  
• Save the image for sharing and printing

11. Disadvantages:

• The only limitation is your imagination!
  
• Not too worrisome future: Although the tool is in its beta period (and therefore free), it promises to maintain several great features even without a premium subscription. From the website... "After the beta period ends, certain super-duper advanced features -- for example, custom shapes, custom fonts, high-effort mode, and save-as-app -- will require premium subscription. But I promise that the free version will continue to cover a very rich set of functionalities! For example, with the free version you have a choice of over 30 themes, over 30 fonts, and 30 free shapes to choose from."