Desktop Publishing in the Classroom

Desktop publishing, the use of a computer to create printed works containing text and/or graphics, is a very valuable tool in the classroom.  Not only does it benefit teachers by allowing them more productivity with greater efficiency, but it also benefits students through motivation and variation in learning techniques.  This technological tool can reinforce content already learned while also promoting language and editing skills.  Brochures, anthologies, journals, and reports/papers are just some of the ways students can make use of desktop publishing programs.  Teachers can also use these tools for creating syllabuses, worksheets and handouts, class rules and expectations, student assessments, newsletters and much more. 

Neatness is just one of the benefits of using desktop publishing programs.  The printed text allows for orderliness giving readers greater ability to make sense of what is written.  In addition, editing and revisions can be accomplished in a much more organized manner allowing writers to understand the changes that need to take place.  Desktop publishing also allows the insertion of graphics within text which can attract readers’ attentions.  Of course, too many graphics or too much clutter can be distracting to viewers, thereby defeating the intent of the printed piece by deflecting from its message.  When using desktop publishing programs, creators should keep the message in mind, as well as organization, to achieve their intended purpose.

The flyer shown above is meant to promote the use of desktop publishing in the classroom.  Through text and graphics, the benefits for both teachers and students are evident.  There is even a list of ways teachers and students can apply desktop publishing in the classroom.  The pictures on the flyer reveal students using computers to develop publications using desktop publishing.  The first draft of this flyer contained more graphics, but this was found to be distracting.  As mentioned before, this was digressing from the message that this flyer was meant to signify.  Therefore, this final product became the outcome in order to fulfill the intended purpose.

Regardless of what the message is supposed to be, though, desktop publishing is an excellent tool in the classroom.  It should absolutely be implemented by all teachers for use by themselves and with their students.  It can make the planning process so much more productive and efficient giving teachers more time to devote to their students’ educational needs.  Desktop publishing is also a wonderful learning tool for students as it provides enthusiasm for completing assignments and projects while also exposing them to fundamental and essential practices.  Every instructor should use desktop publishing for and in the classroom.