Tagxedo+Page

** Melanie Spransy & Ashley Cooper **

**What is Tagxedo?**

Tagxedo allows users to transform text into striking visuals, also known as word clouds. Tagxedo’s word clouds combine the words in the text to form an image. The most frequently used words appear larger than the rest. Not only does Tagxedo turn documents into world clouds, but users can also choose forms, fonts, and colors to create aesthetically pleasing visuals.

URL: []

Blogs: []

[]

**Why would I use Tagxedo?**

Tagxedo can help students interpret and express text in creative ways. Tagxedo allows students to connect a visual representation to text. Teachers can use this web tool in their classrooms to diversify their instruction across different curriculums.

For more ideas on ways to use Tagxedo, visit []

**What do I need to create a Tagxedo?**

Any text can be used to make a Tagxedo. If you want to customize the shape of your word cloud, you can upload an image (make sure it is high contrast).

Text can be from a variety of sources that include but are not limited to:
 * Blogs
 * Websites
 * Twitter
 * Word Documents
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Del.icio.us
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Tags

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">**How do I make my own Tagxedo?**

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Step 1: Go to [] <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Step 2: Click the Create box <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Step 3: Click the Please Install text <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Step 4: Install Silverlight on your computer <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Step 5: Click Load to enter your text. You can upload a file, enter a website, or write the text into a dialogue box. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Step 6: Pick your own color, theme, font, orientation, and layout (all located under Respins on the left-hand side of the page). <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Step 7: Under options, click shape and pick the shape of your word cloud from the shape menu, upload your own image, or write a word as your shape. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Step 8: Check the Word and Layout Options to design the settings of your word cloud. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Step 9: You can save, share, or print your word cloud with the icon on the left hand side under the Words section. You can also make your word cloud into a gift and order it from the Tagxedo store (icon located at the bottom of the page). <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Step 10: You have now completed your first Tagxedo word cloud!

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">**Practical Learning Applications**

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Level: Pre-Kindergarten <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Subject: Science <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Content: Weather

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Activity: Students will identify the current weather conditions. They will use their words to describe what it “looks” and “feels” like outside. (A teacher should record students’ responses). The teacher will help students use Tagxedo to construct a word cloud using their weather descriptive words. The word cloud should be in the shape of a general weather condition used, e.g. the sun, a cloud, a rain droplet, etc.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Objective: Students will be able to use science vocabulary to describe weather conditions and create a visual that corresponds with their description.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Level: High School <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Subject: Social Studies <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Content: Origins of U.S. Government

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Activity: First, the class will explore the foundations of the American government through class discussion. Students will then work in pairs to create visual representations of the founding of our country. Students can enter documents, quotes, essays, etc. to Tagxedo in order to make their project. Students will then explain to the class how their wordclouds relate to important themes in early American history.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Objective: Students will be able to use wordclouds to describe the formation of the American system of government.

**﻿**