The training of teachers for a meaningful use of all that contemporary technology offers to developing curriculum requires constant vigilance, experimentation, innovation, revision and updating. The lifestyle of today's gifted students includes a range of ever-unfolding technologies, such as text messaging, blogging, social networking, personal…

Discusses word processing and desktop publishing and offers suggestions for creating documents that look more professional, including proportional type size, spacing, the use of punctuation marks, italics, tabs and margins, and paragraph styles. (LRW)

Although the terms typeface, typeface family, typeface classification, font, and font family are often misused, they do have different meanings. A typeface is a particular design of type. A typeface family is a group of typefaces that have a similar design heritage or style, say, from original work done by a particular Italian master designer. A…

Discusses document processing software packages and describes the TEX system, a document compiler intended to produce high quality typesetting. It is noted that the X-window system provides a windowing environment that makes the system faster, more efficient, and more user friendly, and its use in connection with the TEX system is explained. (four…

The Computer/Technology Skills Standard Course of Study describes the progressive development of knowledge and skills in six strands: (1) Societal and Ethical Issues; (2) Database; (3) Spreadsheet Keyboard; (4) Utilization/Word Processing/Desktop Publishing; (5) Multimedia/Presentation, and (6) Telecommunications/Internet. The revision process…

Reviews the options for typeset punctuation (e.g., open and closed quotation marks, and dashes) hidden in most desktop publishing software packages. Advocates the use of software manuals by journalism students in order to produce publications that look typeset rather than typewritten. (DMM)

Discusses various choices available for desktop publishing systems. Four categories of software are described, including advanced word processing, graphics software, low-end desktop publishing, and mainstream desktop publishing; appropriate hardware is considered; and selection guidelines are offered, including current and future publishing needs,…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of integrated software, i.e., software that combines the functions of several independent programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, graphics programs, and desktop publishing so that users can work in a consistent and flexible computer environment. Microsoft Works, a well-known integrated package, is…

Discusses the role of computer keyboard operators in typesetting complex mathematical expressions used in instructional materials, examines the role of software in producing good quality output, and describes Expressionist, software for Macintosh hardware that can be used with desktop publishing and word processing software to enter mathematical…

A college English professor applied for and received a grant to equip a 20-station networked computer classroom designed to provide a site for state-of-the-art pedagogy in teaching English using computers. The networked computer classroom has two related goals: to provide a setting for the preservice and inservice training of English and language…

Describes ways in which teachers can use word processing software, including print utilities and desktop publishing programs. The production of parent letters, personalized form letters, worksheets, newsletters, awards, and certificates are described; improvements in communications and in teacher generated student materials are discussed; and…

Asserts that educators should help students to make the transition to the real world of desktop publishing (DTP) as smooth as possible by presenting DTP concepts in the classroom. Offers seven principles of page design and a classroom exercise on DTP. Reviews several word processing programs that include DTP functions. (PRA)

Discusses changes that have made desktop publishing appealing and reasonably priced. Hardware, software, and printer options for getting started and moving on, typeface developments, and the key characteristics of desktop publishing are described. The author's notes on 33 articles from the personal computing literature from January-March 1994 are…

Discusses the uses of multimedia, telecommunications, and word processing and desktop publishing in middle school reading education and examines three issues that affect teachers' opportunities to compete with popular culture's media: implementation, integration, and impact on achievement. (Author/LRW)

Presents a position paper of the Vermont State Technology Council regarding the development of information technology skills and knowledge. Essential skills are identified and linked to the Vermont Education Goals, including skills in word processing, databases, spreadsheets, telecommunications, visual-audio-output, computer simulations, desktop…