Spellcheckers

Spellcheckers

Spellcheckers can be lifesavers!  Even as adults, none of us are perfect spellers.  Using a spellchecker is a convenient tool for correcting misspelled words before sending a document.  I often use the spellchecker on Microsoft word before sending emails or spelling something on the board for students to see.  Another way I use the Microsoft Word spellchecker is when I need to submit something such as a blog point or discussion board post.  In this case, I often like to type out what I want to say on Microsoft Word document (as I am doing to type this post) and allow the spellchecker to find any misplaced words. 

However, there is debate on whether students should be allowed to use spellcheckers.  Johanna Sorrentino, author of Is Spell Check Creating a Generation of Dummies? suggest that students aren’t mastering the fundamental principles of how language works.  “In a world where almost everything is automated, there's a heightened concern that kids aren't mastering the fundamental principles behind the way things work—from levers to locks to the written language.” (Sorrentino, 2008)  Sorrentino also related one study conducted by a team of doctorate students from the University of Pittsburgh in which spellcheck was used to proofread papers by two groups of students: high scoring SAT students and lower scoring SAT students.  “… results were significant, especially when you consider that the experiment was meant to show that spell checkers were more effective for those with high verbal abilities. Instead, their results showed that both groups were worse with the spell checker on.” (Sorrentino, 2008)

All in all, a spellchecker is a great tool for anyone to use but students of all ages should still learn the fundamental rules and patterns for spelling words correctly (this is an absolute must.  Therefore, parents and teachers, especially for younger students, should be cognizant of when and how students use this tool. 

Sorrentino, J. (2008, January 11). Is Spell Check Creating a Generation of Dummies? Retrieved December 1, 2012, from Education: http://www.education.com/magazine/article/spell_check/