Word Processors

Word processing programs are used to create and work with text or words, such as in writing spelling lists, writing letters or other reports, compositions or assignments. These programs, basic to classroom computer use, include several common features to make writing easier and more fun for students.

Common Features

The following features are common to most word processing programs. Students and teachers can use these features for better composition. We suggest some other uses as classroom examples of integrating computer use into the daily curriculum.

Change the size, style and/or color of the font:
Changing the appearance of the text helps add emphasis or purpose to text on a page or screen. It can also make writing easier for students with disabilities.

Check out our example of changing the text on a lemonade stand advertisement. Although it helps make the text more attractive from a seller's standpoint, students can use these options to make text easier to see and to emphasize certain words.

Classroom Examples

• A student can use the color options to make the TITLE of his report stand out.
• Teachers may instruct students to "locate all verbs (or pronouns, proper nouns, etc.) on the screen and highlight them in blue".
• Multiple-choice answers on an electronic quiz/test can be highlighted in color.

Less Common Features

Additional features found in comprehensive word processing programs may be particularly useful to students with disabilities. Teachers should be aware of these features to customize the writing environment to the unique needs of the individual student before he begins. Look in the software documentation or help index to see if they are available in your word processor.

Examples

• When selecting a font for a student, consider using a cursive font; i.e. Lucinda Handwriting or Monotype Corsiva if other students are writing that way. We have provided a list of websites for special handwriting fonts.
• Change the background color of the screen for higher contrast or student preference.
• Adjust the spacing between letters or lines or animate the
  words! This feature may make words easier to see for some students.

AutoText Option

Set up this option for the student to insert frequently used text and graphics (i.e. paper headings, addresses, etc.) when she types a few identifying characters. View an example of the AutoText Option.

AutoCorrect Option

With this option, the computer automatically corrects certain misspelled words as they are typed (i.e. hte = the). You can add entries to the list to make his/her typing (and spelling!) more efficient. These entries can make vocabulary more easily available to young writers. View an example of the AutoCorrect Option.

Toolbar Options

Create a toolbar that contains only the buttons and menus the student uses most often. You can also make the toolbar buttons larger and group the related buttons together. This feature gives the student better control over fewer options and helps to promote independent use. View examples of Toolbar options.

Menu Options

You can minimize the number of choices on a pull down menu to make it simpler for a student. Figure 1 in the Menu Options Example illustrates the standard options on the "File" pull-down menu. Figure 2 illustrates a simplified menu with only New, Open, Save and Print options.

Shortcut Options

You can use a toolbar button or a menu command to assign a shortcut key/function for quickly gaining access to frequently used commands, styles, AutoText entries, and fonts. For example, you can create a shortcut that applies a frequently used paragraph style or character style. These shortcuts are also known as "macros" in other software programs.