Some teachers do use free word processors. If they don't, maybe it's because they don't know about them, or how to use them. Open Office meets the needs of both teachers and students. It has a flexible word processor, powerful spreed sheet, dynamic graphics, database access and more. It meets all the requirements of an office software package. Schools pay quite a bit of money monthly for MS Office, but they could save some money with OpenOffice.org. It is becoming more and more mature with every release.
Google Docs is an easy to use online word processor, spreadsheet and presentation editor that enables you and your students to create, store, and share instantly. Through the revisions history, teachers can see which and when students contributed to projects.
Zoho Office Suite is a web-based online office suite containing word processing spreadsheets, presentations, data bases, note taking, Wikis, CRM, Project Management, invoicing, and other applications developed by ZOHO Corporation. These are free at the entry level but require a fee for more extensive or professional use.
The first time I used Microsoft Office, I was attempting to write a paper. I knew how to use a regular typewriter, but this was of course different. I got very frustrated, so rather than throw the computer out of the window, I opted to take my paper to my daughters' house and asked if I could do it there with her assistance. Whenever I couldn't get it to do what I wanted it to. She showed me how to use it correctly. Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks? My daughter did!
Teachers definitely use the advanced features of Microsoft Office and many use word processors like Open Office and Google Docs. Really, teachers should be willing to learn how to use anything that their students are using. Every generation will have new technology to use, teach, and learn and educators need to be flexible in this. A really frustrating experience I have had with Office was trying to insert clip art in an exact location without it affecting the text I had already taken the time to enter. I would have it formatted to what I thought was exactly right but then when I put it on the page some of my text would jump to a new page or my clip art would appear on a completely different page and possibly in a full-screen size. There was not much to be done except play with the program until I figured it out. When I have the time to actually experiment with everything Office has to offer I find it to not be so overwhelming but actually fun and helpful.
ReplyDeleteDanielle: The way to overcome the clip art problem is to change the text wrapping for the picture. It comes in as in-line text, which messes with the text. Select the formatting option in the toolbar.
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