This presentation examines the pros and cons of using digital technologies to teach writing. Some of the pros discussed include access to endless information sources, ease of technology incorporation due to student expertise, and increased student engagement. However, cons include unreliable information sources, students' skill levels surpassing teachers', and increased opportunities for off-task behavior. The presentation provides solutions to these issues, such as teaching students how to evaluate sources, providing teacher training, and planning meaningful collaborative activities. Overall, the conclusion is that including digital technologies benefits students, and there are solutions to most problems that may arise.

1. WRITING IN THE 21ST
CENTURY
The Pros and Cons of Using Digital
Technologies to Teach Writing
By: Tarah Clark

2. INTRODUCTION
• Although there are many benefits to incorporating
digital technologies into the writing curriculum, some
teachers worry about the negative aspects of using
these tools.
• This presentation will examine the pros and cons of
using digital technologies in the classroom and
attempt to provide solutions to possible issues.

3. Pro #1
Access to an endless supply of information.
INFORMATION
Bookshelves. 2008. Olin and Uris Libraries, Ithaca, NY. Flickr.com. Web. 13
June 2014.
Computer Lab. 2012. Commons. Wikimedia.com. Web. 13 June 2014.

4. Con #1
Information is often unreliable.
INFORMATION
Clark, Tarah. “Bad Info." 2014. JPEG file.

5. Solution #1
Teach students how to evaluate sources of
information.
INFORMATION
Thumbs Up and Down. 2014. OpenClipart.org. Web. 14 June 2014.

6. Pro #2
Technology incorporation
would be easy since
students have experience
with it.
STUDENT EXPERTISE
Flickinger, Brad. Student iPad 008. 2010. School Technology. Flickr.com. Web. 13 June 2014.

7. Con #2
Students’ skill level often surpasses that of the
teacher.
STUDENT EXPERTISE
Couros, Alex. Lex and Uncle. 2008. Flickr.com. Web. 12 June 2014.

8. Solution #2
Provide teachers with
training on various
digital technologies
students will be using in
the classroom.
STUDENT EXPERTISE
Teachers and Technology. 2011. Education Plus. Flickr.com. Web. 12 June 2014.

9. Pro #3
Increased student engagement.
MORE ASSIGNMENT OPTIONS
Kuropatwa, Darren. PPAsleep. 2009. Flickr.com. Web. 13
June 2014.
Dickerson, Kim Tyo. Excited Students. 2009. Flickr.com. Web. 13
June 2014.

10. Con #3
More opportunities for off task behavior.
MORE ASSIGNMENT OPTIONS
Bunny and Panda Texting. 2011. Flickr.com. Web. 13 June 2014.

11. Solution #3
Plan meaningful, engaging activities that allow for
collaboration and communication.
MORE ASSIGNMENT OPTIONS
Checklist Collaboration Characters Development. n.d. Pxabay.com. Web. 13 June 2014.

12. Pro #4
Prepares students for the real world.
FUTURE PREPARATION
Career Man/Ladder/Silhouette Rise. n.d. Pixabay.com. Web. 13 June 2014.

13. Con #4
Lessens opportunities to communicate face-to-face
and work independently.
FUTURE PREPARATION
Uncommon Office Computer Desk. n.d. en.wikipedia.org. Web. 14 June 2014.

14. Solution #4
Include a variety of teaching methods and
grouping formats in the classroom.
FUTURE PREPARATION
Teacher. n.d. Deviantart.com. Web. 14 June 2014.

15. CONCLUSION
• There are solutions to the majority of problems that
stem from including digital technologies in the
writing curriculum.
• Not providing opportunities to master digital
technologies does a great disservice to students.