Word - Microsoft
What is Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a document creation and text editing software. Users can draft, format, and edit written documents across web, desktop, and mobile apps.
What is the purpose of Microsoft Word
The purpose of Microsoft Word is to provide a collaborative platform for drafting structured written arguments, research papers, and reports. Documents feature real-time co-authoring, inline commenting, trackable revisions, and built-in citation management tools.
How to use Microsoft Word
The tool can be used for drafting course essays, conducting peer reviews with inline comments, and collaborative report writing for group projects.
Where to find Support
This tool is centrally supported
Support
For help, you can contact the WTS Helpdesk
Documentation
Additional information on Microsoft Word can be found on the Microsoft Word Help Center
Tool Evaluation
Functionality
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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ScaleCan be scaled to accommodate any size class but lacks flexibility to create smaller sub-groups or communities of practice |
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Ease of UseThe tool has a learner interface that may be confusing to some; there is limited opportunity for personalization |
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Tech Support/Help AvailabilityIn-person or email based technical support is readily available and aids users in troubleshooting tasks or solving problems experienced |
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HypermedialityThe tool allows users to communicate through different channels (audio, visual, textual) and allows for non-sequential, flexible/adaptive engagement with material |
Accessibility
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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AODA FriendlyMicrosoft Word fully supports compliance with AODA standards for accessibility (W3 WAI), and makes it easy for materials to be made AODA-friendly |
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User-focused participationMicrosoft Word has some limited capacity to address the needs of diverse users, their various literacies, and capabilities |
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Required EquipmentProper use of the tool does not require equipment other than a computer and access to the internet |
Technical
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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OWL IntegrationThe tool can only be offered in OWL through a link or static representations of the tool (i.e. .doc), rather than a functional version of the tool itself |
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Operating SystemsMicrosoft word is available as a desktop application for Windows and MacOS operating systems. It is also available as a web application which is accessible from any modern browser. |
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Web BrowserUsers can effectively utilize the tool with any standard, up-to-date web browser (i.e. Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer 10 etc.) |
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Additional Tech RequirementsUsers can effectively utilize the tool without any browser extensions or downloaded software |
Mobile Design
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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Mobile Operating SystemsThe tool is fully functional with a range of electronic mobile devices (laptops, tablets, touchscreens, mobile devices, etc.). Currently Microsoft Word has native mobile apps for Windows Phone, Android, and iOS. |
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Mobile FunctionalityBasic features of the main tool are functional on the mobile app but advanced features are limited |
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Offline AccessThe platform can be used offline, maintaining tools and learning content. (The desktop application or mobile app must be used in this case, rather than the online web application) |
Usage and Account Set Up
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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Sign Up/Sign InMicrosoft Word requires an account in order to complete its installation. Western users would use their existing UWO account. Microsoft "collect(s) diagnostic data as you use Office which helps [Microsoft] find and fix problems, identify and mitigate threats, and improve your experience. This data does not include your name or email address, the content of your files, or information about apps unrelated to Office" - From: Diagnostic data in Office |
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Cost of UseWhile normally Microsft Word has a cost associated with it, the application is available to Western Faculty, Staff and Students at no charge. |
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Archiving, Saving, and Exporting DataUsers can archive, save, or import and export content or activity data in a variety of formats |
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Data Privacy and OwnershipUsers maintain ownership and copyright of their intellectual property/data; the user can keep data private and decide if/how data is to be shared |
Social Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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CollaborationThe tool has the capacity to support a community of learning through both asynchronous and synchronous opportunities for communication, interactivity, and transfer of meaning between users. This is mostly available through document collaboration in the online application |
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User AccountabilityInstructors cannot control student anonymity but the tool provides some solution for holding students accountable for their actions. It is possible to turn on "Track Changes" to see the changes as a document progresses. In the web app, all students are identified. |
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DiffusionThe tool is widely known and popular, it’s likely that most students are familiar with the tool and have basic technical competence with it |
Instructor Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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FacilitationThe tool has limited functionality to effectively support an instructor’s ability to be present with students via active management, monitoring, and engagement |
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CustomizationLimited aspects of the tool can be customized to suit the classroom context and learning outcomes. Although the tools are static, there are such a wide variety that by choosing tools that are appropriate for the intended learning outcome, the experience can be customized |
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Learning AnalyticsInstructor can monitor students’ performance on a variety of responsive measures such as through the track changes feature. |
Cognitive Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s)Microsoft Word enables functional improvement to engagement in the targeted cognitive task(s) |
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Higher Order ThinkingMicrosoft Word may engage students in higher order thinking skills (given significant consideration to design, facilitation, and direction from instructor) |
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Feedback on LearningThrough the tool, students can regularly receive formative feedback on learning (i.e. they can track their performance, monitor their improvement, test their knowledge, etc.) |
Security and Privacy
This tool has been formally reviewed by Western’s Technology Risk Assessment Committee
Security and Privacy Flags
Information Collection
- Application collects information that could identify the user specifically (email address, class schedule, etc..)
EULA
- Application's Terms of Conditions or End User License Agreement poses a risk of binding the institution to an agreement thereby requiring legal counsel to review the application. However, this is mitigated as it has undergone legal review during the Technology Risk Assessment process.
Last Updated: August 18, 2026
Rubric
The eLearning Toolkit Evaluations are made available under the terms of the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence
Topic at a Glance
Microsoft Word is a word processor that is useful for creating documents, and as a platform for students to create, comment on, reference, and evaluate content.
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