Post date: Jan 16, 2014 4:47:53 PM
Spellcheckers are an excellent resource when used appropriately. I believe it is best for elementary and middle school aged students to have limited access to spellcheckers. Learning spelling and proper grammar is essential for functioning in society. Spellcheckers are not 100% reliable and can be ineffective if a student mistakenly types one word that is correctly spelled but not the proper word. The use of spellcheckers in upper grades and college, when students have a good english foundation should be permitted.
Introducing younger students to spellcheckers is a fine, however, they should not rely on them or use them exclusively. Roy Peter Clark, PhD, is Vice President of Poynter Institute, a school for journalists, and author of Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer says that the root of the problem isn't spell check, it's a lack of three basic behaviors: reading, writing and talking about how language works. “The more of that there is, the more literate the student will become. The less there is, the greater the temptation to rely upon a crutch which will not always be your friend,” he says (Clark, 2008).
A good example of allowing younger students to use spellcheckers is during independent creative writing. It may motivate them and give the teacher time to work with other students. Additionally, children need to learn how to write legibly. Extended time typing on a computer takes away time that can be practiced on handwriting. Another example of appropriate use of spellcheckers in elementary and middle grades is students with learning disabilities. A research study by Morphy and Graham (2012) concluded that, “word processing enhances the writing of students who experience difficulty learning to write and read.”
By the time students are in high school, the majority have a good spelling and grammar foundation. Writing assignments are longer in upper grades and they have more access to technology. More time is spent preparing students for college or technical careers. And, yes, today’s society relies heavily on technology devices. It makes sense for older students to be able to use spellcheckers.
Clark, Roy Peter. 2008. Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer.
Morphy, P., & Graham, S. (2012). Word processing programs and weaker writers/readers: a meta-analysis of research findings. Reading & Writing, 25(3), 641-678.