The word processor as a learning tool

There are few things about the word processor as a long time user that I am unaware of. The effort I am engaging in now is related to how to take this office productivity tool and re-purpose it for classroom use. It is a great organiser for note taking however as I examine the application in greater detail I am discovering how my learners can benefit.

My learners can now use the Review option to help them track their progress from draft to revised and completed version of a document. My frequent correction of spelling and grammatical errors has also been eliminated as I encourage learners to spell check all work before submission.

There is something about using the computer as a learning tool that gets learners excited. Just say the words "Use the computer" and you will see how that changes the whole atmosphere of the class.

The word processor for lesson preparation

The word processor is a powerful tool which we sometimes take for granted as we rap away at the keyboard. It is sometimes great to reflect on how software has changed the way we do things. Not so long ago the typewriter and carbon paper were the tools for document preparation and heaven forbid you made an error. The photocopying machine and fax machine were the only ways of duplicating and sending a document from one location to another if post was not an option. Now we can create, edit, embed items across applications, copy & paste between documents, print, email all from within a single application.

The word processor has truly evolved if we compare the earlier versions of Microsoft Word to its modern day equivalent.

The word processor as an administrative tool

Embracing the use of ICT as a resource to minimise rework is a great idea particularly where administrative work is concerned. Creating a template of often used document(s) makes life significantly easier when we consider how time passes and we are overwhelmed with the demands of our daily lives. By investing time in creating a template and saving it, we reduce the effort required to always create a document from scratch and allows us to focus our energies more productively. Most of our Office productivity software allow us to do just that.

ICT and the roles of the educator

If you haven't noticed everything around us has a level of technology infused into it. From items in our homes, our cars and now even our classrooms. While our learners may be digital natives we as digital migrants need to embrace technology if we are to reach our learners. I tend to think of my learners today as the i-generation. They have access to information all around them. What we need to do is guide them and they'll do the rest. As an educator, there are many benefits to be derived from the use of ICT in the classroom. What we require is the zeal and patience to discover them.

It is always interesting to reflect on our role as educators. When we examine the 7 roles of an educator (Mediator, Designer, Administrator, Scholar, Pastoral, Assessor, Specialist) we see that we are much more than sages on the classroom stage. Our learners and our colleagues have a lot to benefit from what we have to offer. We need to develop each of these roles to their fullest potential if we are to be well rounded educators.