Spelling is an important factor in writing longhand, as the reader certainly wants to correctly interpret what's written.
When a student graduates from school, he or she is expected to spell impeccably. A cover letter and a resume for applying for a job, for instance, has no room for even the minutest of spelling errors.
To improve spelling even outside of the classroom setting, computers are a must, considering that little time is devoted to spelling instruction these days.
In a study done by Maki et al. (2002), it was found that computers are "used to help students to develop a more accurate decoding strategy for finding spelling errors in texts".
In that research, emphasis was placed on "encouraging the students to read their spellings both during the initial text production and during a separate revising phase" (Maki et al., 2002).
Software such as the popular Ultimate Spelling software has a feature where the correct spelling is flashed onscreen when the user attempts to make an invented spelling. In that manner, the user eventually learns how to spell that particular word correctly each time it is encountered until such time that the 'reminder' no longer flashes.
It is crucial for computer spelling programs to fit the proficiency level of children, as a lot of time is wasted in traditional spelling drills because words already mastered are not excluded from the lists.
One can only improve spelling skills in a short time when the lists help kids progress through words that become more and more complex such that one's vocabulary would not stagnate.
Moreover, the Ultimate Spelling software has functions over and above the spell check features of regular word processors:
- "Even if a word processor is used in typing, the message needs to contain words close enough to the correct spelling...if a typed word is too far removed from the correct spelling in word processor use, the spell checker may be of little help to the learner" (Ediger, 2002).
Spelling software that fires up the interest of the user reduces his or her dependence on flawed spell checkers and instead encourages them to constantly consult the software.
It only takes the right tools to improve spelling proficiency to get ahead. The appropriate software would only require initial guidance by an adult regarding its use, and must be user-friendly enough for a child to eventually use it on his or her own.
References:
Ediger, M 2002, 'Improving spelling', Reading Improvement, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 69-70.
Maki et al. 2002, 'Reflective spelling strategies for elementary school students with severe writing difficulties: a case study', Learning Disability Quarterly, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 189-207.