Word Processing and Desktop Publishing in Education

Word processing and desktop publishing are Productivity Softwares commonly used in education. An example of a word processing program is Microsoft Office Word, which I think most of us are pretty familiar with. An example of a desktop publishing program is… (drum roll please) Adobe InDesign, which just happens to be one of my favorite programs of all time! Both Word and InDesign are available for PC and Mac platforms. Word processing is similar to desktop publishing; however, desktop publishing programs offer more precise control for professional results and can produce and edit drawings, photographs, and various other graphics.

This week I learned various ways to apply word processing and desktop publishing in the classroom. For example, word processing and desktop publishing can be used by teachers to prepare letters, flyers, rubrics, lesson plans, newsletters, brochures, announcements, presentations, forms, and study guides. Students can use word processing to take class notes, create outlines and study sheets, or even prepare reports or presentations. Most importantly, word processing helps students learn writing and outlining skills.

I do not have my own classroom yet, therefore, I have not made any particular documents to be handed out to my students or parents. I have been active as the Graphic Designer for YPA for over 1 year now, and have created many documents for printing and distribution to parents of YPA (York Preparatory Academy) students in general. Specifically, I have created postcards, acceptance packets, the school calendar (attached), yard signs, school apparel, order forms, along with many other items.

I have attached the York Preparatory Academy 2010-2011 Calendar, to critique with you. This flyer was created in InDesign, and was distributed by mail and email, as part of the YPA Acceptance Packet. If you notice, there is a header located in the top left that identifies the school. The header includes the logo, school name, and tag line. To the right you will see a color-coded key indicating holidays, teacher workdays, and other important dates to remember. Below the key, is a footer, that includes the contact information and website for the school. The body of this flyer is the calendar itself, which is the largest part of the design and is located beneath the header and left of the key. The calendar clearly identifies each month, day of the week and date, along with important dates depicted in the appropriate color. This flyer also includes a green graphic that flows from the header to the footer, linking the name of the school with the contact information. I have had nothing but positive feedback from members of the school board and parents concerning the design and layout of the 2010-2011 Calendar.