This is one of my favorite pieces of software available to make graphic designs and visual pieces, such as fliers. It works very similarly to MS Word, but it has more features that make it easier to make designs. You will notice simlarities between the toolbars and even some similar functions in regard to text (e.g., bold, italicize, underline). After working with Word you shuld be able to teach yourself some of the Publisher basics and open the software and click and try out the features.
If you find that you like working with Publisher, there are additional areas for you to explore. For example, you might be interested in learning more about Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. There are many free how-to videos available on how to use this software and it's a great skill to know the basics of how to edit and create photos or logos. I use Photoshop in my day-to-day work as an instructional designer but I also use it for home. For example, you never know when you will get a great picture with something that looks odd, like an animal or weird person photobombing a picture where you look really nice. Knowing how to edit out photobombers is a nice skill to have when you want that nice Facebook profile pic or something you'd like to share with your family or friends. I have included my Pinterest board of some selected photobombs as inspiration for what could be edited out of photos. Of course some of these are hilarious and it might be more fun to keep them the way they are!
Like MS Word and Excel, there are many resources online that are very helpful in teaching you how to use this software. This week will also feature a curated list of resources to help you learn how to use MS Publisher. This week's assignment requires you to make a promotional flier so you will need to learn how to add text, create a shape, or other similar graphic, and an image. These resources will help you become familiar with the Publisher basics to make a nice flier.
Here is a list of websites and pdfs that take you through the basics of MS Publisher: