The problem with the school systems (elementary through college) is that
people aren't learning how to use word processors or spreadsheet programs in
general. They use Microsoft Office with its interface and little quirks and
file types. If we were thinking long term in preserving the things we write,
saving in the OpenDocument format instead of the binary .doc format is
preferred, but the majority of people don't change their default file type in
Office and why they are a .doc or .docx depending on the Office version.
Supposedly .docx is an XML format like ODT, but there are specification
differences between Office 2007 and Office 2010 formats and Microsoft puts in
little hooks for their proprietary programs.
In order for me to graduate, I either had to take a class on Microsoft Office
or test out of it. Of course I tested out of it and moved on with my life,
but for many people, they have to buy an expensive book and take class in how
to use Microsoft Office. Maybe they have to because it is the most popular
and prepares them for the "real working world" or simply Microsoft has their
hooks so far in the educational system.
Same thing goes for any design school where people learn on the Adobe
products. Schools have the money to pay for the software licenses and go with
what is tried and true and the industry standard. Of course if you go to an
art school like the Art Institute, you are paying for those software licenses
personally in your $30,000+ a year tuition.
