53302_Hatfield_lesson3_comprehensive assignment

After reading the articles and chapters for lesson 3, I have more knowledge about word processing and desktop programs. I already knew what word processor was used for, but I did not have a clear understanding of desktop programs was or that it could be used in so many different ways. Word processors are programs used in the school, business, or home that offer tools to make typing easier. The tools may include spell checker, thesaurus, or reference creator. These tools help make documents look professional. They also help to create documents needed in a classroom. Some examples of word processing programs are Microsoft Office and Microsoft Word. Not only do word processing programs benefit students, it also benefits teachers. Not only do teachers benefit from word processor programs, but they also benefit from desktop publishing programs. Desktop publishing programs are programs that design flyers, brochures, etc. Teachers use this to make documents and/or posters look more appealing.
There are so many ways that technology can help in the classroom. Technology can be a big help for students with special needs, as well as keeping gifted students engaged in a lesson. With technology in the classroom, it can help students with physical, visual, and auditory disabilities. Teachers use different programs for situations like these such as, text-to-speech programs or talking word-processing programs. Teachers also use programs to aid in education, as well as programs that will help a student who speaks English as a second language. However, teachers use other forms of technology other than programs, and are making their classrooms more technology friendly. They are doing this by adding digital cameras, webcams, computers with touch screens, projectors, etc. By doing this, teachers are not only making learning more fun for students, but also teaching them the basic use of different kinds of technology.
I am a teacher assistant, not a teacher, so I do not get to make all the neat flyers or newsletters. When I do become a teacher, I want to make my documents for my student and/or their parent visually appealing. I will make mine colorful and fun to look at. My reason for doing this is that students and parents are more likely to look at something that is colorful or on colored paper to see what it says than to look at something dull on a white piece of paper. For example, every Friday my son's teacher sends home his graded work and any newsletters or flyers pertaining to the following week. As a parent, I always know when there is something in my son's stack of papers that I need to read because it is always on colored paper. If the newsletters or flyers were on white paper I may overlook them and throw them in the garbage because it did not stick out to me. Also, I know my son likes getting stuff from his teacher on colored paper because he says it is more fun to read.