BTT1O
Unit 4: A Great First Impression
Activity 1: It Caught my Eye...
What is Desktop Publishing?
Desktop Publishing is using a computer and specialized software to produce high-quality printed documents. The user creates page layouts that include text, graphics, photos, and other visual elements. Take a look at the following video, created by students, which will provide you with a basic introduction to desktop publishing.
I’m Sure I’ve Done This Before
More than likely you have created a brochure or a poster or a newsletter for an in-class assignment before. If so, you were using desktop publishing skills to make your creations.
Desktop publishing programs are used to create many of the promotional products required by any successful business. Check out the following examples, which can all be produced using desktop publishing software:
So Many Choices
There are many desktop publishing software programs to choose from, and you can find many websites that offer the same tools. You may have had the opportunity to use several different ones already. If not...don’t worry! Now you will have the chance to learn about a few of the options out there.
Publishing Tools out There
Using the ideas from the Desktop Publishing video above, or through your own further research, you will wchoose one example of a desktop publishing software program or website to become an expert on.
Research the program and how it works. You should be able to find a short tutorial video on YouTube that might help.
Share your information with your friends or family. Provide the following information about your software program:
- Name of Desktop Publishing Software (DPS)
- Cost: Is it free, subscription-based or purchased outright?
- Where to access or purchase the program (online and/or in a store)
- Overview of features: basic outline of what this DPS allows you to do
- Link to tutorial: A link to a basic tutorial on how to use it
- Recommendation: Why you would recommend this particular software and for what purposes (does it have a particular feature that it is well known for, for example?)
Reflecting Back
Remember back in Unit 2 Activity 4 where we spoke about effective web page design? You were introduced to the components of an effective graphic design. Here is the video again just to refresh your memory.
Well, those concepts apply not only to web page design but really any visual design layout including the business cards, billboards, and other business marketing or branding products (see the examples that you saw above). You can use the same concepts to design desktop publishing products.
Introduction
Learning Goals and Success Criteria
We are learning to identify information technology devices so that we can determine the appropriate devices to be used in specific situations.
I will know I am successful when I can:
- select and apply information technology tools to meet different purposes.
We are learning to define key terminology pertaining to information and communication technology so that we understand their meaning and application.
I will know I am successful when I can:
- define and describe information and communication technology terminology to demonstrate my understanding of it.
We are learning to apply key information and communication technology terms in proper context so that we can communicate in a professional manner.
I will know I am successful when I can:
- apply key information and communication technology terms in proper context to a variety of situations.
We are learning to use different publishing tools so that we can enhance our publications.
I will know I am successful when I can:
- identify features of publishing software that make publications engaging and useful for the intended audience.
We are learning to create publications that we can design a product that meets the needs of a specific situation.
I will know I am successful when I can:
- design and create publications, using specific publication tools, to meet the specific needs of my intended audience.
We are learning to explain which electronic tools should be used to communicate in different scenarios so that we can make appropriate and effective choices.
I will know I am successful when I can:
- reason and explain which electronic tools were used to communicate appropriately;
- communicate electronically using appropriate etiquette suited to my audience and purpose;
- assess our audience and purpose so that we can use appropriate etiquette when communicating electronically.
Learning Skills and Work Habits
Responsibility
The student:
- fulfils responsibilities and commitments within the learning environment;
- completes and submits class work, homework, and assignments according to agreed-upon timelines;
- takes responsibility for and manages own behaviour.
Ask yourself:
- Did I complete and submit my work on time?
Organization
The student:
- devises and follows a plan and process for completing work and tasks;
- establishes priorities and manages time to complete tasks and achieve goals;
- identifies, gathers, evaluates, and uses information, technology, and resources to complete tasks.
Ask yourself:
- Did I follow a plan when designing my publication?
Independent Work
The student:
- independently monitors, assesses, and revises plans to complete tasks and meet goals;
- uses class time appropriately to complete tasks;
- follows instructions with minimal supervision.
Ask yourself:
- Did I assess and revise my work?
Collaboration
The student:
- accepts various roles and an equitable share of work in a group;
- responds positively to the ideas, opinions, values, and traditions of others;
- builds healthy peer-to-peer relationships through personal and media-assisted interactions;
- works with others to resolve conflicts and build consensus to achieve group goals;
- shares information, resources, and expertise and promotes critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions.
Ask yourself:
- Did I share my publication with my peers and provide feedback on my peers' work?
Initiative
The student:
- looks for and acts on new ideas and opportunities for learning;
- demonstrates the capacity for innovation and a willingness to take risks;
- demonstrates curiosity and interest in learning;
- approaches new tasks with a positive attitude;
- recognizes and advocates appropriately for the rights of self and others.
Ask yourself:
- Did I try something new and do my best?
Self-Regulation
The student:
- sets own individual goals and monitors progress towards achieving them;
- seeks clarification or assistance when needed;
- assesses and reflects critically on own strengths, needs, and interests;
- identifies learning opportunities, choices, and strategies to meet personal needs and achieve goals;
- perseveres and makes an effort when responding to challenges.
Ask yourself:
- Did I display my strengths and interests in the creation of my publication?
Rubric 1