Learning Unit 3
Evaluate and update your ICT skills as necessary
3.1 INTRODUCTION
A variety of software is available for teachers to use ranging from operating systems to
23
application software. Operating systems are the software needed to run your electronic
device (computer, tablet or mobile phone), while application software is those that we
download to perform a specific task. This application software range from those that you
buy on shelves to those that you download for free. In some instances, the free software
has limited capabilities and in other instances the full version is available to be used for
free. For more information about various kinds of software and whether or not they are
free, read chapter 3 in the book Teachers discovering computers (8th edition) by Gunter
and Gunter (2015).
In this learning unit, the focus will be on specific ICT skills. For example, you will focus
24
on how you can use word processing, spreadsheets, presentation slides and the internet
to improve your own ICT skills and enhance your teaching. Although there is a variety
of software available, we will base the content on Microsoft Office, in this learning unit.
Microsoft Office is a product from Microsoft that bundles word processing, spreadsheet,
presentation, database and email software together. For the purpose of this learning unit,
the examples that are used will be based on Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft
PowerPoint, Microsoft Access and Internet Explorer.
3Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, you will be able to:
•• Compile assignments and reports, by using word-processing.
•• Use spreadsheets for doing calculations and compiling records.
•• Develop and present slide shows for a range of audiences.
•• Create a database for administration purposes.
•• Upload and /or download information online, using appropriate software.
To inspire you to make use of technology, even under difficult
25
circumstances, watch the following YouTube video clip concerning a
teacher who improved learning through the use of technology. You
can click on the link below or scan the QR code in figure 3.1.
26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxqsDc0yjgw
Figure 3.1: Improve
132
learning through
technology
24
, CIC2601/1/2019
3.2 WORD PROCESSING
The predecessor of word processing is the typewriter. Watch the
27
YouTube video (7.51 min) about the reaction of children to a typewriter
by selecting the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfxRfkZdiAQ
or scan the QR code in figure 3.2.
Figure 3.2: Kids reaction
133
to type writer
3.2.1 What is a word processing application program?
Word processing software is used to create, edit and format documents that mostly consist
28
of text. This can, for example, be a letter, a question paper or an assignment. Therefore,
if you type a letter, you will use the keyboard to enter the text (create). After entering the
text, you will read it through and then correct the spelling, grammar or typing errors that
you have made (edit). You will then decide to emphasise the headings, convert the text
into a table or number the pages (format) to name a few examples. The process described
above will be an example of word processing.
Watch the YouTube video (1.39 min) about word processing by selecting
29
the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdyG2bDTb7I or scan
the QR code in figure 3.3. What did you learn about word processing?
While working in a word processing application, you learn skills about
30
how to type and edit documents. You can also apply these skills when
typing a document in other applications. For example, when typing Figure 3.3: What is word
134
processing
an email message, you also go through the actions to create, edit and
format. So, the skills you have learned while using a word processor
can be applied for many other applications.
For example, if you want to use Microsoft Word, you need to buy the software; install it
31
on your computer and then register the software. After this has been done, you will be
ready to type your first document. When you open Microsoft Word, the landing page
(figure 3.4) will appear.
25
,32
Figure 3.4: Microsoft Word landing page
To start working in Microsoft Word, you can either create a blank document; use an
33
existing template to create a new document; or you can open an existing document. If
you decided to select a blank document, the application window (figure 3.5) will appear.
34
Figure 3.5: Microsoft Word application window
If you look at the top of the screen, you will see a series of ribbons or tabs. Each ribbon
35
or tab is divided into groups and in each group you will find icons/shortcuts. See figure
3.6 below.
36
26
, CIC2601/1/2019
File, Insert, Page Layout
etc. – ribbons/tabs
Clipboard and Font groups
37
Expand the group
Figure 3.6: Window organisation
For the purposes of learning unit 3, the assumption is that you are familiar with MS Word.
38
If not, or to further explore the use of Microsoft Word, scan the QR
code below to watch the series of YouTube videos uploaded on the
YouTube channel.
Select the link https://youtu.be/_fvWB2ALeSI?list=PLp4HvdggD657a
39
J49m59pyz
Figure 3.7: MS Word
(2:22 min) or scan the QR code in figure 3.7.
135
40
tutorials
3.2.2 How do teachers use word processing in the classroom?
Today technology is freely available. It is not so long ago that the only device you could
41
type on or use for word processing was the computer. Mobile devices are now so powerful
that you can also do word processing on tablets and smartphones. For the purposes
of this unit, you can use word processing on any device as long as you can use its full
functionalities.
Discussion forum
By now you know that word processing is mainly used for typing documents. You also
know that you can use a variety of devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones. You
also know that for the purpose of this unit, you need to use MS Word. In the discussion
forum (MS Word in the classroom), give as many examples as possible of how you can
use MS Word in your classroom. In addition, you can try out as many examples given
on the discussion forum and comment whether or not they work in your environment.
Below, you will find a list of activities you can attempt to start using MS Word in your
42
environment. Although there are many other ways to use MS Word, this will give you
an indication and hopefully encourage you to use MS Word regularly in your classroom.
27
Evaluate and update your ICT skills as necessary
3.1 INTRODUCTION
A variety of software is available for teachers to use ranging from operating systems to
23
application software. Operating systems are the software needed to run your electronic
device (computer, tablet or mobile phone), while application software is those that we
download to perform a specific task. This application software range from those that you
buy on shelves to those that you download for free. In some instances, the free software
has limited capabilities and in other instances the full version is available to be used for
free. For more information about various kinds of software and whether or not they are
free, read chapter 3 in the book Teachers discovering computers (8th edition) by Gunter
and Gunter (2015).
In this learning unit, the focus will be on specific ICT skills. For example, you will focus
24
on how you can use word processing, spreadsheets, presentation slides and the internet
to improve your own ICT skills and enhance your teaching. Although there is a variety
of software available, we will base the content on Microsoft Office, in this learning unit.
Microsoft Office is a product from Microsoft that bundles word processing, spreadsheet,
presentation, database and email software together. For the purpose of this learning unit,
the examples that are used will be based on Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft
PowerPoint, Microsoft Access and Internet Explorer.
3Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, you will be able to:
•• Compile assignments and reports, by using word-processing.
•• Use spreadsheets for doing calculations and compiling records.
•• Develop and present slide shows for a range of audiences.
•• Create a database for administration purposes.
•• Upload and /or download information online, using appropriate software.
To inspire you to make use of technology, even under difficult
25
circumstances, watch the following YouTube video clip concerning a
teacher who improved learning through the use of technology. You
can click on the link below or scan the QR code in figure 3.1.
26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxqsDc0yjgw
Figure 3.1: Improve
132
learning through
technology
24
, CIC2601/1/2019
3.2 WORD PROCESSING
The predecessor of word processing is the typewriter. Watch the
27
YouTube video (7.51 min) about the reaction of children to a typewriter
by selecting the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfxRfkZdiAQ
or scan the QR code in figure 3.2.
Figure 3.2: Kids reaction
133
to type writer
3.2.1 What is a word processing application program?
Word processing software is used to create, edit and format documents that mostly consist
28
of text. This can, for example, be a letter, a question paper or an assignment. Therefore,
if you type a letter, you will use the keyboard to enter the text (create). After entering the
text, you will read it through and then correct the spelling, grammar or typing errors that
you have made (edit). You will then decide to emphasise the headings, convert the text
into a table or number the pages (format) to name a few examples. The process described
above will be an example of word processing.
Watch the YouTube video (1.39 min) about word processing by selecting
29
the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdyG2bDTb7I or scan
the QR code in figure 3.3. What did you learn about word processing?
While working in a word processing application, you learn skills about
30
how to type and edit documents. You can also apply these skills when
typing a document in other applications. For example, when typing Figure 3.3: What is word
134
processing
an email message, you also go through the actions to create, edit and
format. So, the skills you have learned while using a word processor
can be applied for many other applications.
For example, if you want to use Microsoft Word, you need to buy the software; install it
31
on your computer and then register the software. After this has been done, you will be
ready to type your first document. When you open Microsoft Word, the landing page
(figure 3.4) will appear.
25
,32
Figure 3.4: Microsoft Word landing page
To start working in Microsoft Word, you can either create a blank document; use an
33
existing template to create a new document; or you can open an existing document. If
you decided to select a blank document, the application window (figure 3.5) will appear.
34
Figure 3.5: Microsoft Word application window
If you look at the top of the screen, you will see a series of ribbons or tabs. Each ribbon
35
or tab is divided into groups and in each group you will find icons/shortcuts. See figure
3.6 below.
36
26
, CIC2601/1/2019
File, Insert, Page Layout
etc. – ribbons/tabs
Clipboard and Font groups
37
Expand the group
Figure 3.6: Window organisation
For the purposes of learning unit 3, the assumption is that you are familiar with MS Word.
38
If not, or to further explore the use of Microsoft Word, scan the QR
code below to watch the series of YouTube videos uploaded on the
YouTube channel.
Select the link https://youtu.be/_fvWB2ALeSI?list=PLp4HvdggD657a
39
J49m59pyz
Figure 3.7: MS Word
(2:22 min) or scan the QR code in figure 3.7.
135
40
tutorials
3.2.2 How do teachers use word processing in the classroom?
Today technology is freely available. It is not so long ago that the only device you could
41
type on or use for word processing was the computer. Mobile devices are now so powerful
that you can also do word processing on tablets and smartphones. For the purposes
of this unit, you can use word processing on any device as long as you can use its full
functionalities.
Discussion forum
By now you know that word processing is mainly used for typing documents. You also
know that you can use a variety of devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones. You
also know that for the purpose of this unit, you need to use MS Word. In the discussion
forum (MS Word in the classroom), give as many examples as possible of how you can
use MS Word in your classroom. In addition, you can try out as many examples given
on the discussion forum and comment whether or not they work in your environment.
Below, you will find a list of activities you can attempt to start using MS Word in your
42
environment. Although there are many other ways to use MS Word, this will give you
an indication and hopefully encourage you to use MS Word regularly in your classroom.
27
