Module :

Desktop Publishing
ICT Skills

 

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Launch Microsoft Publisher

X

 

X

X

Create Frame

 

 

X

 

Enter Text

 

 

X

 

Edit Text

 

 

X

 

Select Font/Style/Size

 

 

X

 

Utilise Other Word Processing Tools eg B,I,U

 

 

X

 

Create Headings/Headlines

 

 

 

X

Insert Picture From ClipArt

 

 

 

X

Import A Scanned Image

 

 

 

X

Move/Resize Frames

 

 

X

 

Select Frames To Delete/Copy/Paste

 

 

X

 

Use A Wizard

 

 

X

 

Use WordArt (Colour, Patterns, Shading)

 

 

X

 

Create A Table

 

 

 

X

Use Foreground And Background

 

 

 

X

Save File

 

 

X

X

Close Publication

 

 

X

X

Retrieve File

 

 

 

X

Collate Document And Refine Presentation

 

 

 

X

Print Publication

 

 

 

X

Evaluation – General Comments

Overall, the DTP module was found to be quite a challenge!  We had a lot of upheaval in the school during this period, with teacher absences (including my own!) delaying progress.  The two 6th classes were very occupied with preparation for Confirmation and to a lesser extent training for a  rugby blitz.   We also had a malfunctioning p.c. in one of the 5th class rooms which meant that the pupils couldn’t commence the DTP in time.

I think that DTP in general is useful from a language point of view as it allows the children an opportunity to apply what they have learned in an interesting and challenging way.  The chosen topic of “Food” was very appropriate as it allowed for a lot of scope in what the pupils could do.  They enjoyed designing menus, choosing borders and of course shifting through endless clipart.

Generally most activities worked, but the DTP was very time-consuming and caused a lot of frustration.  I think that the frustration was felt because it was the pupils' and teachers' first time to work with MS Publisher.  A lot of exploring, problem solving and troubleshooting had to be done.

All staff members were adamant that a time scale of 4/6 weeks should be allowed for such an activity.   DTP takes time, but it is worth it.  It was also felt that if the pupils were to tackle DTP again, that they would be far more comfortable with it, and also become more imaginative with it. 

DTP is certainly worth including in any further project of this type.

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