Week Three - Word Processing and Desktop Publishing

In Week Three I learned more in depth about what word processing and desktop publishing programs are by definition and I also got a more in depth look at how these programs can be used in a classroom setting, both by teachers for administrative duties and by students as a means of enhancing learning and reaching learning objectives.

A word processing program can be defined as a program that allows you to enter, format, copy and paste and even move around sections of text. A few examples of how word processing programs such as Microsoft Word can be used by students are; to write papers or stories, as a method of journal keeping, as an easy way to write collaborative stories and as a way to create timelines.  Examples of how teachers may use word processing programs are; for record keeping, journal keeping in relation to the classroom and for creating correspondence such as letters, letterheads, mailing labels and envelopes.

A desktop publishing program can be defined as a program that allows you to create professional looking items that combine graphics, text and formatting. A few examples of how desktop publishing programs such as The Print Shop software can be used by students and teachers are; to create flyers, brochures, greeting cards as holiday activities, invitations to classroom activities, banners displaying current themes, homework calendars and newsletters for parents and the public.

I have uploaded two examples of a lost poster I made just for the purpose of this blog. The first was done quickly without much thought of how to make a memorable impact. The border and large, easy-to-read text make the message semi-appealing, however, the lack of color, graphics and a real, concise message make the flyer easily forgettable.

In the second example, the item is more visually appealing thanks to color, layout, font size and a graphic.  However, the flyer could still use some tweaking to be even appealing with the addition of more colors, a different border and perhaps even more graphics or different fonts.