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Examples of Technology in My Science Classroom |
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Software Review of Microsoft Publisher |
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Microsoft Publisher 2002 Microsoft Corporation 866-452-4755 http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/publisher/default.aspx
All grades All subject areas Reviewed by Sherree Wolfgang Software Description Microsoft Publisher is
a desktop publishing program that has many different applications. Desktop publishers are more versatile than
word processors because they use text boxes that are easily placed around
photos, clip art, or other items. In
its simplest form, a user can work with a blank document to create a
product. Microsoft
Publisher also includes many templates for items such as
brochures, business cards, and certificates that can easily be modified by
the user for specific products.
Because Microsoft distributes this desktop publishing program, it is
easy for new users to become acquainted with buttons/tools similar to those
found in Microsoft Word. Accuracy of Content Because
this program is a tool, there is no content to evaluate. Issuing assignments to students that
utilize Microsoft Publisher will require the teacher’s discretion of
student technical ability. For
example, an early elementary student can choose a flyer template and swap out
the photo and add a sentence of text whereas a high school student in a FACS
class can promote his or her ideal restaurant by creating a menu, business
cards, and advertisements. Technical Quality Once the user recovers from the initial shock of the number of options on the screen, Microsoft Publisher is easy to navigate especially if the user has experience with Microsoft Word. Utilizing this program over the ordinary word processing program enables the user more freedom in design of the final product. Keeping in mind that the document is made of boxes (graphics and text boxes), the user can feel at ease. Besides an online tutorial on the website listed above, Publisher has a help menu as well as an office assistant character that can be “asked” questions for assistance throughout usage. Having both of these options is convenient, especially for new users.
Use of Technology Microsoft
Publisher
falls between a word processing program like Microsoft Word and an
interactive program such as Microsoft PowerPoint. Publisher is used primarily to
create a printed final product so it cannot effectively use items like
animations or sound, but it is a better tool than Word for projects
other than papers. Because of the many
provided templates, teachers can have students create a number of
differentiated products as well as challenge students to create their own
design. In addition, because Microsoft
designs the program, users have access to the clip art/photograph database
online. Using Microsoft Publisher
will enable the user to develop typing, design, and research skills while
creating a product that can be personalized which will enhance learning. Role of Students With
instruction and help, students can use this program in a number of ways to
create product assessments. Examples
have been listed previously, and additional ones are endless. Students have the opportunity to manipulate
content and express their understanding in text as well as graphics by using Microsoft
Publisher in a creative and personal way. Role of Teacher The
teacher is responsible for providing instruction on how to utilize the
software as well as differentiate instruction/assignments for students who
require it. Teachers can also use Microsoft
Publisher to create documents, such as overhead transparencies, handouts,
and assessments, as well as tools in the classroom like hall passes. (To make a personalized hall pass sheet,
use the business card template option, plug in the proper text, and print off
a bunch at a time! You will be the
envy of all the other teachers because your passes will be fancy and
virtually counterfeit-proof.) Classroom Usage Microsoft
Publisher is
a program that can be used individually or by a small group creating the same
document on the same computer.
Students can use the software across all disciplines and grades to
create any number of assessments. Once
students understand how to navigate through the program, they will be hooked
on it because of its simplicity; Text goes in a box and is reshaped however
the user wants around pictures. Critical Summary I
love Microsoft Publisher, and I use it all of the time for documents
that involve more than just text. The
flexibility of placing items paralleled with the normal Word button
options makes it a breeze to use. No
more fussing with text to line up in Word when you want to include a
pretty picture! Publisher also
has the pre-made templates, which are not found in other desktop publishing
programs like Adobe PageMaker.
I have been using this program for over five years, and I have yet to
find something I need that it cannot do. Overall Rating (on a scale of
1 to 10): 10 Explanation of Rating
Microsoft Publisher is
a must-have tool for teachers and it doubles as a wonderful software program
for students to use as well. I would
be lost without it. Well, I would
spend many hours at the copy machine cutting and taping text and photos to
make it just like I want it. Now with
the click and drag of a mouse, I can be sure it is perfect. Students can also submit projects free of
Scotch tape and be proud of their professional-looking work. |
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Last Revised: 6/12/08 | © Sherree
Wolfgang | Contact me: swolfgang@sjc.edu |
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