ICT Reflection for October, 2013

This month we did different activities using word processing like designing a variety of cards, designing newspaper front page, making certificate,  writing letters using mail merge feature, inserting mathematical equations and symbols, and drawing shapes. These were quit a lot for us besides our normal teaching hours and was challenging too. After having done these activities for almost a month, I am quit satisfied with the learning outcome I have achieved. 

Having done these activities, I must say that: A word processing is used to prepare and edict text. It is used to create all types of documents like letters, reports and essays. We can create cards of different styles for different purposes. We can use word processor to compose, format, sort and re-arrange text and perform other related functions like correcting misspelled words. Using a word processor, we can type, revise and correct a document on screen before printing. The layout of the page can be changed and a wide variety of different style texts can be used to improve the presentation of the document. We can insert equations and symbols into a word document by clicking on 'insert' in the tool bar to insert pictures, charts and tables into our document and use templates to create reports, projects, cards etc. The functions of the word processor are: page layout, text presentation, editing of text, block of text, text analysis, templates, mail merging and many more features. 

Mail merging is a feature supported by many word processors that enable us to generate letter form . To use mail merge system, first we need to store a set of information, like a list of names and addresses in one file. In another file, we need to write a letter, substituting special symbols in the places of names and addresses or whatever other information come from the first file. We use mail merge when we want to create a set of documents, such as a letter that is sent to many customers where each letter can have the same information, yet some of the content can be unique. 
For example: In letters to our customers (students and parents), we can personalise each letter to address each customer by name and the unique information in each letter will come from entries in the data source. 
We may write... 

Dear  
.............
Then when we execute the merge commend, the word processor automatically generate letters by replacing special symbols ( names, addresses etc...) in the second file with the appropriate data from the first file. Thus, we can have many copies of letter addressing to different personal.

Though I had tough time in designing cards and newspaper page, I did my best to try and learn these seeking help from my DE colleague and the tutor without having kept a stone unturned. Now I must say that I had learned a lot more in ICT and enjoyed learning it. 

For that I would like to thank our Tutor and my DE IT candidates. Hope you all have learned alot too and wish you all the best in your froth coming examination.