Microsoft Word is one of the old stand-byes in the word processing world. Over the years, the application has gone way beyond just typing and allows users to create graphical layouts. In a challenge based learning project, Word can be used for everything from parent letters to flyers, posters, and newsletters. The newer versions come with all kinds of templates that make creating very attractive newsletters, and bulletins quite easy.
Kidpix from MacKiev has been around now for four decades and remains the gold standard for being the kid-friendliest layout and design tool. KidPix has even recently gone 3D but still gives users the ability to combine text and graphics for a number of uses. Mac OS X users will find the 3D and Deluxe 3X editions integrate all of the media from iPhoto and iTunes, giving easy access to personal picture and sound files. In the challenge based learning projects that I have done in the past, I have found that Kid Pix has been best for students to create signs announcing and promoting the initiative. It doesn’t have the graphical power that Pages or Word has but does offer something that neither can and that is the ability to create animated slideshows. The slideshows can also be exported to iMovie making Kid Pix a multimedia creation tool beyond just simple document creation.