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Tech Integration Project
Lesson Accelerator: Project Overview

Taking Care of Business
Software Type: Word Processing
The example project created in this Lesson Accelerator addresses NETS Performance Indicators for middle grades as used in a(n) English/Language Arts curriculum. It could also be used with older learners or adapted for lower grades. See the section on Extending and Adapting at the bottom of this page for ideas on how to use this same project for different subjects, grades, and skill levels.
Project Launchers
Lesson Accelerator Project Launcher pages contain video tutorials that show you, step-by-step, how to create this project using specific software applications, as well as a movie showing you what the finished project looks like. They also provide a download of all the example files used in the project, so you can recreate it.
When you've reviewed all the information on this page and would like to go to a Project Launcher, click the application name below that corresponds to the one you'd like to use for the project.
Go to: Word 2007 (PC) - Project Launcher
Description
Students will be guided through the process of creating a formal business letter. Our example project involves writing a letter of complaint about a dining experience. The student will learn how to properly format the parts of their letter, as well as how best to relate their experience, if they hope to have their concerns acted upon by the business management.
Goals
To provide students with the opportunity to use technology as a tool for effectively communicating with others.
Objectives
The student will be able to:
  • Open a new document.
  • Set margins & line spacing.
  • Select a font style & size.
  • Save their document.
  • Enter address, date, & greeting.
  • Compose an opening paragraph.
  • Compose a paragraph stating the concern.
  • Compose a paragraph requesting resolution.
  • Enter a closing statement & name.
  • Check spelling & grammar.
  • Preview & print the document.
  • Preparing an envelope for mailing.
Preparation and Skill Mastery
Students should have mastered basic computer skills, such as the use of input devices (mouse, keyboard, etc.), opening and closing applications, and saving documents to a personal folder or directory. Students might be asked to identify a recent experience that they would like to write their letter about. They should gather necessary information, such as dates and recipient address, before beginning this project.
Materials
  • A computer with word-processing software installed
  • A printer (optional)
Task List
The tasks to be completed for this project include:
  • Opening a new document.
  • Setting margins, line spacing, & font characteristics.
  • Saving the document.
  • Entering text for the different parts of the letter.
  • Checking spelling & grammar.
  • Previewing & printing the letter.
  • Preparing an envelope for mailing.
Assessment
Assessment can be based on the following:
  • A rubric for assessing mastery of the project skills is included in the downloadable resource packet. This may be used by the teacher for assessing student mastery, or as a self-assessment tool by the student.
Extending or Adapting
Here are some possible ways that this lesson plan might be extended or adapted for different timeframes, grade levels, and skill/ability levels:
  • The project demonstrated in the tutorial movies involves writing a letter of complaint, following an unpleasant dining experience. Students could be encouraged to identify a similar experience they have had in their own lives and write about that, instead of using the example text.
  • If the class has written about real experiences, and it is deemed appropriate to do so, they could mail their letters. After a number of weeks, the class can discuss what kinds of responses, if any, they received.
  • There are many different forms of business letters, based on the type of business being transacted. Encourage students to explore other forms, such as a formal letter of appreciation or a cover letter for a job application, and compare the different parts of the letter of complaint with other types of letters. This exercise is appropriate for all subjects & content areas.
  • The amount of information and text that the student is required to provide in the letter should be based upon the students’ abilities. Students with limited language skills might only write a few sentences that demonstrate an understanding of the basic letter structure. The project can be extended for advanced students by asking them to add a design, letterhead, or logo to their letter.
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