Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
The Challenge Continues
March 30-April 1, 2003
Creating, Modifying, and Using Word Newsletter Templates as a Low-Stakes Way to Improve Student Writing Skills and Enhance Classroom Participation
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By: Jeff Hoyer |
Abstract
Engaging a student's interest has always been a challenge to make writing come to life. The use of personalized newsletter templates allows the teacher to engage each student in a way that is so intimately personal everyone learns. Students experience a sense of ownership and pride that translates into improved writing. This case study demonstrates how to locate, modify and use Word newsletter templates to teach writing skills and enhance the learning environment.
Description
The presentation is in a lecture and case study format. It is comprised of three parts. The first part involves the identification of several online sources of free newsletter templates. The author provides lists of sites, uses the Internet to visit the sites, and displays the options for the audience. In addition, the author describes the strengths and weaknesses of each listing and compares and contrasts different types of electronic file formats available for newsletter template design ( e.g., html, pdf, etc.). The advantages and disadvantages of using each file format in various teaching settings will be explained.
During the second part of the presentation, the author will discuss how to download and modify these templates for use in specific classroom settings. Attention will be given to demonstrating the use of auto text flow features and use of block design to simply the newsletter elements so the student can focus on content rather than design features. Examples will be given on how specific content requirements and writing styles can be integrated into the various newsletters and how selection of a newsletter style can facilitate its use in the specific classroom setting.
During the third part of this presentation, the author will display and demonstrate the use of templates he has modified. He will also show how they have been used in the classroom to facilitate improved writing. Additionally, he will provide samples of newsletters completed by students and demonstrate how writing style and format requirements have been integrated into assignments the students have written to complete their newsletters.