The Word on MS Word: Start Learning Now!

By Beth Oyler, Writing Consultant

Higher education has drastically changed in the last few years: Technology has permeated almost every aspect, from libraries (online text books and databases) to classrooms (Blackboard and online forums). Therefore, most institutions (including Walden) now require students to have some skills with technology.

Students now write papers almost exclusively in a word processor, with Microsoft (MS) Word being one of the most common programs.  Although there are other word processing options out there (including Openoffice.org Writer and a plethora of others), most students will use MS Word at some point in their education or career. MS Word skills have become so important that community colleges now regularly offer continuing education courses in the subject. MS Word savvy has become an asset, helping to make completing a degree easier.

For our part, the Writing Center tries to help students with basic MS Word issues. We know how frustrating it can be when the ruler disappears suddenly or track changes will not turn off. Because we know how exasperating, yet important, Word can be, we have created tutorials for students to use, along with preformatted templates. These tutorials range in topic from editing tools (like bubble comments and spell check) to APA formatting (which includes double spacing and running head information).

We hope that Walden students will eventually be familiar with and come to love these tutorials: Learning how to work with MS Word early in your education will save you time and effort. However, even the Writing Center has its limits. Our expertise lies in writing, not computers. While we have picked up many handy tips and tricks along the way, we are by no means Word wizards.

That is why we can’t stress enough that students should also become comfortable using the MS website because it is the best resource for explaining technical issues. I’m continually amazed by MS’s compressive library of tutorials. I suggest starting at this link, which has tutorials for MS Word novices, as well as those who are familiar with MS Word but not the 2007 or 2010 format. Then, there’s this list of training materials (self-paced mini-classes), which covers everything from creating a new document to using page numbers. I especially recommend the Create Your First Word Document (I and II) tutorials (accessed via the link above); these tutorials cover most of the basic MS Word functions you’ll need to use in an easy-to-follow way!

In addition to these online resources, I also encourage you to be honest with yourself. If the thought of using MS Word to write and format your paper gives you a mini-panic attack, consider your options. Check out your local community college or library and see if they have any classes available. Sometimes it takes having another person physically next to you to understand how to use a particular MS Word function. When I first began my undergraduate education, my professor had to physically show me how to format a hanging indent after he had repeatedly explained via email. If what you need is some one-on-one instruction, taking the time now for a short introductory course to MS Word will help you in the end.

Whatever computer skills you have, keep these resources in mind. It might take a little more time and effort at first, but you’ll be rewarded when your main focus for each assignment is the actual content and writing, rather than the technology.