Web 2.0 Tools for Creativity and Innovation

Name of the Tool:
WordSift

URL of the Tool:
www.wordsift.com

Category:
Creativity Tool

Basic description of the WordSift:
Wordsift is a web 2.0 creativity tool used for vocabulary building. Text can be entered into wordsift and the 50 most common words in the text is displayed as hyperlinks. Users can then delve into a wealth of resources provided on wordsift to learn more about the vocabulary words.

What do you need to know before using WordSift:
There is no prerequisite knowledge necessary in order to use WordSift.

What do you need to have before using WordSift:
It is recommended to plan what you would like to display in wordsift. This is probably the most time consuming step.

How to get started using WordSift and an example of using WordSift in the teaching environment:



Advantages of using WordSift in a teaching environment:
WordSift is a great visual aid to assist students in exploring meanings and examples of vocabulary. It takes the "Can you use the word in a sentence" to the next level and heightens the learning experience for students.

Disadvantages of using WordSift in a teaching environment:
WordSift looks at single words only. For example using a Wordsift on compound words such as "distance learning", "asynchronous learning", etc. will not have these words show together to search for their meaning. It does not record words being input with commas to differentiate single vs. compound words.