Students (and adult writers as well) often think that running a software spell-check program, such as the one that comes with Microsoft Word, is the same as proofreading for spelling. But spell check has limitations that students need to keep in mind to use it effectively.
Spell check works best for catching typos, words students may know how to spell but incorrectly keyed. A “suggested corrections” feature may give them possible alternatives and thus allow them to spot the correct spelling and fix their work with a click of the mouse. The implication, however, is clear: Students need to be able to recognize correct spellings, which means that you still need to teach spelling. Software cannot substitute for basic spelling instruction.
Spell-check software also is no substitute for careful proofreading. Keep in mind that spell check won’t catch typos that actually are words. For example, if a student types “fox” instead of “fix,” spell check won’t flag it because fox is a real word.
An extension of this issue applies to homophones (words that sound alike but are spelled differently). For instance, if a student means “their” but types “there” or “they’re,” the spell-check software won’t catch it. This software limitation argues for giving special emphasis to teaching homophones and alerting students to pay particular attention to “to-too-two” types of usage.
The bottom line: Teach spelling — but also teach students how and when best to use spell check. Software is not yet sophisticated enough to replace careful proofreading for spelling and other aspects of composition. But it can be a valuable aid, in part because it also helps students and teachers pinpoint topics for additional teaching and learning.
Technology has its uses when processing bits of information which a user inputs (A writer typing on a keyboard). If the writer doesn't know how to spell something, it's possible for the computer not to know either (Or for it to spell something entirely different, thus worsening the mistake by placing in a word with a different definition). A computer knows only as much as you tell it! They can't think on their own ... yet! :o)
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