Don't Forget About Publisher

Microsoft Publisher is an entry-level publishing application, which allows users to quickly and easily create a variety of publications. Publisher focuses on page layout and design, unlike other Microsoft composition applications, such as Microsoft Word.

Microsoft Publisher programs contain a variety of publication options, including pamphlets, brochures, calendars, and flyers. In addition, there are a variety of color schemes, which allows users to customize their publication and make them aesthetically pleasing. Each publication is designed with text boxes labeled with what information they should contain. Text boxes may be adjusted to contain whatever information the user wishes, but the suggestions assist users inexperienced with publication in completing their project. Microsoft Publisher also provides space in each publication for images or company icons to be easily inserted.

I think that Microsoft Publisher is a convenient program to be used in performance assessments in the classroom. The foundation provided by the Publisher application ensures a certain level of professionalism in finished products. Also, the uniformity allows teacher-provided instructions to be very specific.

The main advantage of Microsoft Publisher is that it is an entry-level application. It is very easy to use and provides a great deal of instructions and assistance for inexperienced users. It is also a very common application, so many students are likely to be familiar with it. It is also a standard application on most PC operating systems, so even students with the most basic school or home computer should have access to it.

One of the disadvantages is that the pre-set formatting for each type of publication that makes it so easy to use also limits the uniqueness and creativity of each individual publication. It also lacks many of the fancy, artistic options that other programs or applications may have.

I think that the ideal audience for this tool is a teacher or student without much experience with computer design or publication applications. Because it is straight forward and does not require much experience with computers, it is perfect for learners.

I think that Microsoft Publisher is a valuable resource for use in performance assessments on a variety of grade levels to be used by teachers or students without large amounts of computer experience or without access to new, top of the line computer programs.

To learn more about Microsoft Publisher, check out:

Microsoft Publisher product team blogs

Microsoft Publisher product site