Teaching Tip: Word Processing

You very likely already use a word processing program quite often. There are many different programs available, including Microsoft Word and Open Office Writer. Most of the word processing programs do much more than just provide a place to type text. They allow you to do simple desktop publishing, make tables, do mail merges, and a lot more. They even offer pre-designed templates and forms.

Here are some of the many ways you might use word processing in education:

• Writing letters home to parents
• Creating a substitute teacher packet
• Creating invitations or flyers for school events
• Making flashcards
• Newsletters
• Creating worksheets, tests, quizzes, and reading material
• Creating various labels and envelope templates for mailings

The simplicity of word processing programs make them an excellent starting point for computer use with students. Students (and teachers!) can practice keyboarding and navigation skills while composing reports, making posters, learning industry accepted formatting of documents and much more.

Got a great teaching tip, lesson or resource that uses word processing? Please let others know about it here!

From Professional Learning Board’s online continuing education course for teachers: Introduction to Technology for Teachers