A word processor can enhance your role in the classroom by assisting you in creating a number of documents like lesson plans, worksheets, tests and even quizzes. These documents can be both printed or given to your students in a
digital format. There are many word processors options designed for different operating systems and devices. The most popular word processing program is Microsoft Word [citation], but other options such as Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer and Apple Pages also have a following. For the purposes of this tutorial we will be taking a closer look at MS Word in this unit to find out how using this package will be beneficial to both yourself and your students.
We will brainstorm ideas on how MS Word can be used effectively in your classrooms and thereafter you will be given an assignment to complete. This assignment will test your level of skill using MS Word. So without further delay, let's get started!
By the end of this unit of study, you should be proficient in:
Creating a new word processing document
Saving documents
Printing documents
Basic formatting of documents (e.g. changing font sizes, alignment, inserting images and tables).
Using as a teaching and learning tool
Are you a little unclear what a word processor is?
If so, watch the short video below to find out more.
There are many popular word processors around e.g. Microsoft Word and Google Docs being just two examples. For the purposes of this training session, we will focus on MS Word. However, should you not have MS Word on your computer, you will be able to use Google Docs. The online Google Docs training tutorial is available online by using the hyperlink below.
On your computer, search for an icon which looks like the graphic below. Once you click on it, MS Word will open a blank document for you.
We recommend that you experiment within this word processor - try and explore what different functionalities MS Word can offer you.
The next steps
Now that your document is open, let's first understand how MS Word is structured in terms of the toolbars at the top of your document. Review the tutorial on 'Getting started with MS Word' below.
Review the tutorials below on some of the formatting functionality which MS Word offers. It's recommended that you practice on your document whilst you are reviewing the tutorial.
How do I add, delete, move, cut, copy and paste text?
How do I change the size of the font? How do I change colour? How do I correct text that doesn't seem to be correctly aligned?
Sometimes when we create a document, we realise that we have used terminology or a word which is incorrect. Find out how to replace this word by a few clicks of a button as opposed to manually having to go through the whole
document to find and replace it:
We all like to make lists with either numbered or bullet points and wouldn't it be also useful to be able to insert a table into your document as well?
How do I make a list with bullet points / numbers?
The final step in our formatting overview is the spell check! We all know how unprofessional it appears if there is a spelling mistake in documents, so ensure that it doesn't happen to you!
We have just touched the surface of the functionality that MS Word can offer us. Time permitting, review the other tutorials which GCF LearnFree has on their site.
Have a look at the Digital Promise page below which will provide you with some great ideas on how to use a word processor in the classroom. Although this article is aimed at a slightly younger learner, the principles can still be applied to secondary and tertiary classrooms.
Having reviewed the GEC sites above on how to use MS Word and Google Docs in the classroom, re-create one of your paper based lesson plans using a word processor.
Being proficient in using a word processor such as MS Word is an invaluable skill for both teachers and learners (inside and outside the classroom). Take the time to acquire these skills, practice using this software application and explore the additional functionality which it can offer you. There is no doubt that it will add value, as well as save you time, in your teaching context.
The following OER were adapted to create this unit of study:
All content not licensed under a Creative Commons licence is all rights reserved, and you must request permission from the copyright owner to use this material.