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Remember when we were at school, and our maths teachers told us we needed to learn long division because “you won’t have a calculator in your pocket”? Fast forward a few years, and we’re walking around with calculators, encyclopedias, and entire offices in our phones.
Sorry, Mrs. Woods.
That said, it is still fun to figure out how to split the bill among your friends without leaning on our digital crutch.
Now, it’s writing’s turn.
Students are asking, “Why do I need to use a pen? I’ll never need it when I’m older.” And to some extent, they’ve got a point. Could it be that the humble pen is heading the same way as the pocket calculator, useful, but no longer essential?
But here’s the thing: Writing is far more than putting pen to paper. It is about communicating clearly, thinking critically, and sharing ideas. Technology has changed how we write, but not why we write.
For ELT teaching professionals, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.
1. Writing for Real Audiences: Blogs, Social Media and Shared Docs
Digital platforms allow students to write for real audiences, not just the teacher. Blogs, Padlet walls, and shared Google Docs turn writing into a collaborative and purposeful activity. Whether it is a review, a class opinion piece, or a campaign post, students see their words published, shared, and valued.
This shift in writing instruction makes writing more meaningful and instantly more motivating. It also reflects how students will use writing in the real world.
Looking for ready-made writing tasks for real-world communication?
2. The AI Dilemma: Using Tech Without Losing Writing Skills
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Teachers are creating tasks using AI. Students are completing them with AI. Teachers are correcting them using AI. In this loop, no actual writing is happening.
That is why integrating technology into ESL writing lessons means teaching AI literacy too. Students need separate writing sessions focused on prompt creation, evaluating AI-generated content, and editing for clarity. These skills help students use digital tools without losing ownership of their work.
Most importantly, writing still needs to happen in the classroom. Shared documents are ideal for this. They allow for real-time feedback, peer collaboration, and genuine writing practice.
Need more ideas on teaching writing through creative formats?
👉 Visit our Productive Skills: Writing and Speaking category on the Teacher’s Corner Blog for classroom-ready strategies and adaptable tools.
3. Writing in New Formats: Beyond the Essay
Technology has expanded what writing means. Students can now create infographics, video scripts, and digital stories that combine text, visuals, and sound.
Planning a TikTok post or an Instagram caption is still writing. It teaches summarising, sequencing, tone, and purpose. These formats are familiar, motivating, and effective for helping students transition into longer or more formal writing tasks.
This is one of the key benefits of digital writing tools for language learners. They feel more accessible and more relevant.
4. Feedback, Revision and Ownership
Online writing tools for English teachers like Grammarly, Write & Improve, and Google Docs commenting offer instant feedback. But they should be used to support writing, not replace it.
Model revision strategies in class. Show students:
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How to interpret feedback
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Why revision matters
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What ownership of writing looks like
The goal? Independent, reflective writers who take pride in improving their work.
5. Preparing for Exams in a Digital World
Despite all the progress in digital writing, most exams are still handwritten. So how can we bridge that gap?
Try:
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Drafting digitally, then writing the final by hand
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Using AI for brainstorming, but writing essays in class
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Practising timed handwriting after online preparation
This dual approach prepares students for both digital literacy and exam success.
6. Showcasing Progress: Digital Portfolios
Digital portfolios are a simple but powerful tool. Whether through Google Sites, Slides, or folders, students can track their writing development over time. This supports goal setting, builds confidence, and helps teachers give more personalised feedback.
Portfolios make student progress visible and help them reflect on their learning journey.
Want to integrate digital tools seamlessly in your lessons?
The Pen Might Be Going Out of Fashion, But Writing Is Not
Yes, pens might slowly disappear from the classroom. But writing remains essential. Using technology to improve student writing does not mean giving up on writing skills. It means helping students write better using technology and preparing them for the future.
Our role is to make sure writing stays human.
Whether it is typed, scribbled, or spoken into a phone, the real value lies in the thinking behind the words.
About the author:
Harry Waters wears many hats, both literally and figuratively. He's a multi-award-winning teacher trainer, a teacher, writer, climate activist, podcast host and a TEDx speaker. His journey into sustainability-driven education culminated in the inception of Renewable English, a platform merging language learning with environmental consciousness.
Read more:
Planting the Seed of Environmentalism in Young Learners: 5 Simple Classroom Ideas: Discover 5 simple and engaging classroom activities to introduce young learners to environmental awareness and inspire eco-friendly habits from an early age.
Helping Students Overcome Writing Anxiety: Tips & Strategies for ELT Teachers: Discover research-informed methods to support learners who experience writing anxiety. This article offers practical classroom activities, motivational techniques, and scaffolded approaches to build confidence, reduce stress, and help students develop a positive writing mindset.
Using AI in Language Learning: A Guide for Educators: Explore practical ways to integrate AI into your language lessons while maintaining student creativity, critical thinking, and authentic communication.
