Ms Word is an excellent resource to use not only for developing and writing papers, but also for differentiating instruction. There are magnificent tools teachers can use in the classroom to keep children actively engaged and motivated during instruction. There are several useful resources that can aid in the overall learning process that many educators are not familiar with using. Graphic organizers can be developed by using the smart art function displayed in ribbon that’s located at the top of the page. Using graphic organizers to access prior knowledge is essential in all academic areas because it assists teachers with focusing on students’ comprehension skills. Graphs can also be inserted by using the chart function located in the ribbon. This helps teachers to integrate technology within their math and science curriculum.
Microsoft Word improves learners editing skills when completing essays, journals, research projects, etc. Teachers should teach students the foundation of spelling and grammar before having them revise their work or the work of others. Students should never rely solely on using the spelling and grammar function to complete activities for this will hinder them throughout their academic career. Remember our goal is to have productive citizens.
Microsoft Word can benefit teachers as well. These past two weeks I’ve had the opportunity to create both a flyer and newsletter for the very first time. This experience has opened my eyes to the many great things this program has to offer. Applying the design principles of contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity is very important when producing any design. Using all four principles is what grasps the reader’s attention. One without the other only causes parents to discard important information. Flyers and newsletters are just two out of the many ways teachers maintain home/school communication. One of our goals as teachers is to create a rapport with parents in order to focus on a relationship that will benefit their child. When sending home papers we want parents to actually read and understand what we have to offer. By creating flyers and newsletters that are relevant and engaging we can continue to focus on what truly matters, our learning community.
Below you can find two interesting websites that discuss ways to integrate Microsoft Word into the curriculum. If you would like to view my flyer and newsletter please go to my website https://sites.google.com/a/baypath.edu/the-world-we-live-in/. Both designs are located on the online portfolio page.
Websites for intergrating Microsoft Word into the curriculum:
http://www.acs.ac/StaffDev/Microsoft/classroom/office98/wdhighlt.htm
http://schoolweb.missouri.edu/southiron.k12.mo.us/Technology%20H%20elpdesk/Word%20Tips.htm
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Four Design Principles
I absolutely adore SPRING and the wonderful things it has to offer: new life, new beginnings, fresh fragrances, beautiful weather, etc. With SPRING comes the knowledge of new information that was always there, but we would have never known about their existence unless the situation or event presented itself. With that being said; I’ve seen brochures, flyers, newsletters, and billboards everyday for as long as I can remember, but never paid attention to their designs. Just like SPRING each design has unique elements that can make things appear either strikingly amazing, or bitterly dull. It is up to the gardener to keep their plants growing like it is up to a designer to keep their targeted audience engaged.
According to Robin Williams, the author of “The Non-Designer’s Design Book,” there are four principles of design that should be embellished into every design. In order to remember the designs you can use the acronym of C.R.A.P. (contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity). I believe that every element of these design principles are vital when creating flyers, newsletters, brochures, billboards, etc. All four principles can help any and everyone design pieces that will be more informational as well as engaging for their readers. Below you will find a brief definition of each design principle.
The principle of contrast is what makes the pictures and words stand out on the page grabbing your reader’s attention. If the reader is actively engaged you are guaranteed to keep them looking forward to what you have to offer.
The repetition principle is also important because the designer is being consistent and repeats some aspect of design throughout the entire piece. There’s nothing worse than an inconsistent design with clutter. It’s not only unprofessional, but also prone to be discarded.
Using the alignment principle is what keeps the design organized and unified. According to Williams, nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily. Everything must correlate and be reader friendly.
Proximity is helps to organize information, reduces clutter, and gives the reader a clear structure. All items relating to each other should be placed close together.
The principles listed above are very beneficial for both teachers and students. Teachers can use them when creating flyers and newsletters to go home as well as enhancing their classroom website. If the teacher is trained and has knowledge on each principle they can incorporate design into their curriculum. Using all four principles in any piece will also keep parents from discarding the information and active readers.
Students can use the design principles for writing assignments that focus on creativity. For example, in high school there are many clubs that are developed and managed by students. When learners want to get information out to their peers about events, fundraisers, daily news, etc. they can use each of the principles in their design to keep their targeted audience attentive. All in all if the principles are not applied correctly one may not be able to deliver what we all are looking for.
According to Robin Williams, the author of “The Non-Designer’s Design Book,” there are four principles of design that should be embellished into every design. In order to remember the designs you can use the acronym of C.R.A.P. (contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity). I believe that every element of these design principles are vital when creating flyers, newsletters, brochures, billboards, etc. All four principles can help any and everyone design pieces that will be more informational as well as engaging for their readers. Below you will find a brief definition of each design principle.
The principle of contrast is what makes the pictures and words stand out on the page grabbing your reader’s attention. If the reader is actively engaged you are guaranteed to keep them looking forward to what you have to offer.
The repetition principle is also important because the designer is being consistent and repeats some aspect of design throughout the entire piece. There’s nothing worse than an inconsistent design with clutter. It’s not only unprofessional, but also prone to be discarded.
Using the alignment principle is what keeps the design organized and unified. According to Williams, nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily. Everything must correlate and be reader friendly.
Proximity is helps to organize information, reduces clutter, and gives the reader a clear structure. All items relating to each other should be placed close together.
The principles listed above are very beneficial for both teachers and students. Teachers can use them when creating flyers and newsletters to go home as well as enhancing their classroom website. If the teacher is trained and has knowledge on each principle they can incorporate design into their curriculum. Using all four principles in any piece will also keep parents from discarding the information and active readers.
Students can use the design principles for writing assignments that focus on creativity. For example, in high school there are many clubs that are developed and managed by students. When learners want to get information out to their peers about events, fundraisers, daily news, etc. they can use each of the principles in their design to keep their targeted audience attentive. All in all if the principles are not applied correctly one may not be able to deliver what we all are looking for.
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