Processing...Processing

In the article "Processing Ideas," written by Sara Dexter and Susan Watts-Taffe, the authors take a very interesting look at desktop publishing, and the way that these tools can be used in the contemporary classroom. The article provides examples of projects and assignments that teachers may utilize in their classes such as creating a poster or writing a newspaper or newsletter. To some, these assignments may appear very superficial in nature and could be essentially useless in the learning process. Upon closer examination, however, the reader comes to find that there are specific learning objectives involved with using desktop publishing to its fullest extent, and its intended purposes.

An example of how these programs aid in the learning process is involved in the suggested creation of a poster project. The poster depicts all of the necessary information required of the assignment, however, it also works in much more subtle ways that are much more effective in passing on information. "Because the poster dictates short phrases and bold language, its creators must identify key ideas and eliminate nonessential information. Short phrases also require the most vivid and direct language to convey their message". I believe that this caption encapsulated the entire purpose of the assignments.

Accompanied by a plethora of new software such as AppleWorks, Microsoft Works, and Microsoft Word, these programs significantly expand the variety of materials teacher may use to measure learning in their classrooms, as well as the amount of thought required of the students for their assignments. With the ever expanding software industry, there is a limitless potential for the use of such programs in conjunction with classroom assignments, the average student will be required to tune into their teacher's lessons and will consequently be more engaged than ever before. Aside from their use in classrooms, the time invested in mastering these programs can only help the students in the future, whether it be in the job market, or while they are pursuing higher education at an accredited college or university, the knowledge they build in the classroom can and surely will be utilized in and out of school in this digital age.