EDTEC 440: Introduction to Computers for Educators

Sample Syllabus

Sample Lesson

Introduction

Objectives

Directions for Working Through

Document Publishing

Using Document Publishing as a Productivity Tool in the Classroom

Your Task(s): Document Publishing Assignments

Spreadsheets

Using Spreadsheets in the Classroom

Your Task(s): Spreadsheet Assignments

Unit Project: Productivity Tools

Your Task(s): Document Publishing Assignments

You have three tasks to complete for the Document Publishing Assignments:

1. Reading Assignment – Chapter 2 of Newby
2. Document Publishing Self-Check Assignments
3. Online discussion of ideas for using document publishing in the classroom

Task 1

Read Chapter 2 of the Newby text to learn more about the advanced features of word processing.

Task 2

Document Publishing Self-Check Assignments (these are ungraded assignments designed to help you get started on trying outs new technology skills). This is your time to practice and explore how to advance your understanding of how to use these technologies. Play around with creating a document that integrates text and graphics (e.g., newsletter, flyer, manual, check list, activity sheet, or computer-generated overhead transparency). If you are already proficient in these, move on to the next task.

Check your skills: Can you...

Level 1:

• Set up multiple columns?
• Insert clip art?
• Use different font sizes, styles, and font types?

Level 2:

• Create text blocks?
• Create lines around text blocks, columns, or graphics?
• Create multiple pages of a newsletter?

Also, as part of this self-check activity, go to the GoogleDocs and Spreadsheets for Educators Web site. http://www.google.com/educators/p_docs_spreadsheets.html. Read how to get started. Click on the Take a Tour link, and sign up to try it out (Create a New Account).  From there, you can create a basic document from scratch. The Quick Start Instructions provide all the information you need: http://www.google.com/educators/p_docs_spreadsheets_start.html

You will use Edit mode to create your document, using the Insert tab if you need to insert a table, image, link, or other component.  If you want to invite others to edit the document as well, simply click on the collaborate tab, which will prompt you to enter the other users' e-mail address. Try this out!

Task 3

Sharing Ideas – Online Discussion: Ideas for using document publishing in the classroom 

Based on your readings and explorations of the software, can you think of ways you could use document publishing in the classroom? Let's share our ideas! For this activity, post at least two ideas for how you might use document publishing in the classroom. One example should be focused specifically on using sharable document publishing, such as Google Docs and Spreadsheets.

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Document Publishing Discussion discussion forum.
   
   
2. In the Subject field, type in a meaningful subject line for your posting, one that gives us a hint of your idea (for example, "A Weekly Class Newsletter" or "Online Volunteer Scheduling Form").
   
   
3. Next, type your ideas into the Message field. Be sure to include
• A brief description of the two ways you could use document publishing in your classroom.
• An explanation of how your ideas would solve an existing problem or enhance an activity.
  
  
4. Click on the Save button to post your message to the discussion forum.
   
   
5. Finally, review at least two of your peers' postings and provide them with meaningful feedback on their ideas. (Click on a posting to read it. Then reply to a posting by clicking on the Reply to this message link.) Your comments might address issues such as
• How the idea could be enhanced
• How the idea might be applied to a different content area
• Your personal experience trying to accomplish a similar goal

Please Note: Refer to your Course Syllabus for the due date for this activity.

Supplemental Materials

Here are some resources that you may wish to draw upon as you complete your tasks:

• Microsoft's Software Tutorials
  • Type of resource: Web site
  • Source: http://www.microsoft.com/education/?ID=Tutorials
  • Description: This is a nice collection of tutorial and guides for products like PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel and Word. Specific links for sample software tutorials:
    • Microsoft Publisher: http://www.microsoft.com/education/publisher2000tutorial.mspx
    • Microsoft Word: http://www.microsoft.com/Education/WordTutorial.mspx
    • How-to Articles from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/education/howto.mspx
      
      
• Google Docs and Spreadsheets QuickStart Guide
  • Type of resource: Web site
  • Source: http://www.google.com/educators/p_docs_spreadsheets_start.html
  • Description: A quick start guide for setting up your first document or spreadsheet using GoogleDocs.

• Ed Tech Program Office
            o Type of resource: Web site
            o Source: https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/welcome/edtech
            o Description: Looking for additional resources? Our Ed Tech Program Office contains a TON of resources related to the topics in our courses. Once you are on the Program Office home page, click on the Ed Tech Resources icon. From there you will see a table of contents. Click on the topic that interests you and the result will be a Web page full of information about that topic!

Finished? Let's move on to next page!

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