Running Head: Comparison Paper – Web-based Word Processor ...

Running Head: Comparison Paper – Web-based Word Processor and the Blog
the documents. Of course, using this Web 2.0 tool would allow students to develop basic
computer skills such as typing, formatting, and the use of short cuts to increased efficiency.
Blogging is a similar tool in that it also allows students to develop typing skills; however,
improvement of typing skills is done simply by keeping the blog up to date and continuing to
advance it with additional information. By continuously adding information, students are
creating a living document that can be used throughout the year, a unit, or the student can use it
for personal use. Web links, images, and video can be added to every blog to validate
information or to make the blog more substantial. These blogs are on the Internet, and the posts
can be critiqued, commented on, or reviewed by teachers, students, or anybody else. Finally,
these blogs can be saved to be used later in a student's research or finished product.
Generally, both Web 2.0 tools can be manipulated to accommodate any learning situation;
however, they are not perfect tools and each of them have their faults. Word processing can be a
tedious task for students because it requires them to edit, format, and repeat the process until a
final product is produced. Word-processing is not generally used for informal products. Using
this tool for large group communication can also be difficult. The web-based word processors do
have the ability to share with group members or friends, but some one outside the circle would
have to request a hardcopy or have it email as an attachment. Word processing is not an efficient
way to share your thoughts with a large audience. Finally, when a document is being critiqued, it
can have comments on it from only one individual at a time. A teacher could read it online,
make notes on another document, and then email it back, or write on the document by using a
different color text, then email it back, or comment on the hardcopy, only to return it at a later
date. This is not an efficient way to have real time critique.
A blog can certainly be shared with many readers very quickly; however, the author
4