Advantages of disadvantages of using word processors

Word processors

Advantages

• Easy to edit
• Can keep electronic copies for future reference
• Saves paper
• Produces a clean copy. Paper-based version is messy
• Can compare original with final saved version
• Develops keyboarding/word-processing skills
• Teacher can keep a copy, a permanent record of progress and common errors
• Children like doing it
• Writing on computers is now a natural way to write
• Grammar and spell check provides instant feedback
• Can use tracking changes for peer editing and process writing
• Disadvantages

• Reading/processing text on screen may not be comfortable
• Ordering sentences/paragraphs can be easier on paper
• Texts can be too long for onscreen viewing
• Word skills can get in the way of the language task
• Students may be using computers all day and don’t want to use them when studying a language
• Most exams are still handwritten so hand writing is still a necessary skill
• Need to be careful with instructions – staged and simple – what instructions can be given in class and what are given on the document?

Presentation software

Advantages
Disadvantages

• Looks good
• Easy to combine pictures and text
• Helps promote IT fluency
• Students like it
• Can be saved and distribute
• Can be used for language activities, not just presentations

• Can take time to produce a good looking presentation
• Can require a lot of planning time
• Students can spend more time playing with images and animation than producing language
• PowerPoint presentations can be very boring