WordSift

WHAT is WordSift?

WordSift os a tool that allows teachers to insert text and play with the results. WordSift has almost the same function as Wordle, however, it only shows the most 50 used vocabulary or words of the chosen text. Besides that, it also brings up some Google images for selection and the Visual Thesaurus word cloud web on the page to show synonyms of the words.

Learn the STEPS! 

How to use WordSift? It is easy! All we have to do is find an appropriate text that is benefial for students' learning and copy-pase into the blank space provided, as shown in Diagram 1 below. After we have pasted it, hit the SIFT button and WordSift will automatically help us todisplay the most 50 frequently-used vocabulary.

DIAGRAM 1  

    

 

What's next? We then proceed to Diagram 2!  As displayed in the diagram below, there are words of different font sizes. Images are available for all the words which are sorted out by WordSift. We just have to click any of the tags shown at the bottom of the words. At the same time, we can employ the Visual Theasaurus which appears in the page too if we want to know the synonym of the word. 

DIAGRAM 2

     

ADVANTAGES:

(a) It introduces the most frequently used vocabulary to students. (i.e. It sorts out the 50 most used words.)

(b) Again, it is FREE! 

(c) Able to learn synonyms by using the Visual Theasaurus.

(d) Enhance students multiple skills (reading, writing and speaking).

(e) It provides examples of the particular sifted word (i.e. How to use the word in our daily lives.)

LIMITATIONS:

(a) Limited control of the maximum number of words that can appear in the word cloud (unlike Wordle).

(b) The word cloud cannot be printed out. We need to print the whole page.

(c) Limited choice of learning (i.e. The sifted words are frequently used; students may not have the 

     opportunity to learn new vocabulary.

(d) The need of adequate facilities such as Internet access and computers.