Machines designed solely for word processing and word processing software for microcomputers replaced sophisticated electric typewriters in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
1979-1980, WordStar and WordPerfect were created. From 1981 to 1985, after the advent of the IBM PC in 1981, several word processing programs came into use: MacWrite, Microsoft Word, Bank Street Writer, PFS Write, and AppleWorks. The 1980s marked the advent of Word Perfect.
Because of graphical user interface (GUI) systems, programs could display different fonts and font size choices and handle simple desktop publishing features.
Currently, integrated word processing software packages known as suites are sold, which include a word processor, spreadsheet, database, graphic tools, and communication software.
What is a word processor?
A word processor is a software program designed to make the computer a useful electronic writing tool that can edit, store, and print documents. In the past, businesses used computers designed primarily for word processing, known as dedicated word processors. Today, when writers discuss word processing, they are usually talking about personal computers with word processing software.
Word processing software allows users to make changes quickly, save a document on disk, make multiple copies, and put the disks away for safekeeping.
Components of Word Processing
A word processor usually involves the interaction of these components: computer, keyboard, monitor, software, document disk, and printer. Through the word processing software, the user enters the text using the keyboard, views it on the monitor, changes it as necessary, saves the document on disk, and prints it on the printer. AppleWorks and Microsoft Word are examples of programs for word processing.
Teachers can use word processing software to create lesson plans, worksheets, memos, lab and book report forms, assignment sheets, course syllabi, and other instructional materials. Students can use the software to create a variety of projects, outlines, reports, and newspapers. A five-step process should be exercised in choosing the right word processing software for classroom integration.
The first consideration is determining hardware compatibility: memory, storage capacity on the hard disk drive, and peripherals and external devices.
The second consideration is general features, such as cursor control, word wrap, and page break.
The cursor is used to move within the text and handle editing functions faster than by keystrokes.
Word wrap allows the user to type without paying attention to the end of lines; when the right-hand margin is reached, the cursor automatically moves to the next line.
Most word processors display marks on the screen that show where the page breaks are.
The third consideration is standard editing features of a word processor. Word processors vary in their editing capabilities, because some are more powerful than others.
Insert allows the user to insert lines of text, words, and paragraphs anywhere in the document.
Delete allows the user to erase words, lines, or paragraphs of text.
Find and replace allows the user to search a document for a word or phrase and then replace it.
Cut and paste or block operations allow the user to select or highlight text and delete, copy, or cut then paste it elsewhere in the document (drag and drop).
Spell checkers and grammar checkers help with spelling, grammar, style, and mechanics.
A thesaurus has the capacity to generate synonyms for any word that it has in its dictionary.
Saving a document in different file formats such as a document or Web page is a feature available in most word processing programs.
The fourth consideration is standard formatting functions. Formatting is the process of making the text appear a certain way on the printed page. The most common functions involve space functions and formatting functions.
Space functions include margins, tabs, justification, centering, headers and footers, line spacing, superscripts and subscripts, and page numbering.
Formatting functions include boldface, underlining, superscript, subscripts, fonts, and numbering.
The fifth consideration is instructional design and features, including advanced features and hardware compatibility.
Write: OutLoud, AppleWorks 6.0, and Microsoft Word XP are effective word processors. Grammar checkers that are integrated into word processing software or sold as stand-alone programs help with grammar, style, punctuation, and spelling errors.
Advanced features should include functions such as AutoCorrect, AutoFormat, Mail Merge, Table of Contents, and many others. See Table 4.1, p. 72 .
A word processor should offer at least the following functions: insert, delete, center, underline, double space, save text, and print.
A word processor should be easy for the student to learn and not require hours of instruction.
Safety features warn users when they make an error and protect against data loss by saving material intermittently.
Consumer value means word processing software that can be purchased inexpensively. Public domain software packages or shareware, inexpensive software that is copyrighted and can be tried before it is purchased, provide good value.
Support refers to personal as well as written help from the company, including talking to technicians or using Web sites for support.
A checklist should be used when evaluating word processing software. Key items for evaluation are hardware compatibility, standard editing features, standard formatting functions, advanced features, safety features, screen display, ease of use, support features, and consumer value. See p. 78 for the Word Processor Checklist.
Using Word Processing Programs in the Classroom
Students can be engaged through a variety of games and activities in many disciplines.
Several word processing activities featured cover a range of curriculum areas. See pp. 79-86 for lesson plans and teaching ideas.
