Week Three: Word Processing v. Desktop Publishing

Desktop publishing and word processors can be used in the classroom in various and sundry ways. Perhaps the most straightforward use is for each student to type out homework on a word processor. This eliminates the possibility of low marks due to poor handwriting ability and should also, due to spell check, reduce spelling errors. It is important to note, however, that the presence of problems with grammar as well as appropriate use of words probably will not change very much, as word processors do not monitor those sorts of errors. Nevertheless, just by using a word processor, students' writing abilities should also improve (even if only gradually) to where the latter two problems should decrease. Additionally, students can much more easily share documents produced by these programs via email or USB devices and now even through many different types of cellphones. If assigned to a group project, this last advantage would prove to be a huge boon. Finally, students can use these to add a few more options to how assignments can be completed. That is to say, the form can be varied, with multiple columns, extra frames, setting a typeface and so forth, instead of the regular single, large column on a blank sheet of paper (although it will also depend on each individual assignment and which format is necessary).
Teachers can also use either of these programs to make a large variety of documents: calendars, flyers, letterheads, flash cards, posters, booklets, brochures, newsletters, and so on and so forth ad nauseam. These also come with many different uses, whether as assignments or aids for study groups or individuals or even to help keep parents up-to-date on lesson plans or homework, etc. Again, based on these few examples, the greatest advantage is (simplified) communication. Just putting these thoughts/observations on this blog is an example simplifying communication. Using a word processor, I type out my spiel, run spell check, correct grammar mistakes (hopefully all of them), then copy and paste the document onto this site. Not only does that make my homework a bit easier, it is convenient for the prof. to view. She can then copy and paste it to a word processor from this blog post!