Over the past few years, many studies have examined the cognitive processes of students when translating texts from one language to another. However, little is known about the cognitive processes of Arab translators when translating texts from their heritage language into English. This study aims to track the cognitive processes of students as…

Failure to adhere to conventional spelling has academic consequences. When encountering spelling errors, instructors can pass critical judgment on students' writing skills, and even on cognitive abilities. Many students turn to spell checkers. However, we find grading rubrics for academic writing assignments to be inconsistent, and judgments about…

Composing is an essential part of literacy development in early childhood classrooms, and writing experiences are continually changing through advances in technology. Writing in a new language can be particularly challenging for emergent bilinguals as they navigate learning how to spell in English as part of the writing process. New pedagogical…

Computer-based spell checkers help to correct misspells instantly. Almost all the word processing devices are now equipped with a spell-check function that either automatically corrects errors or provides a list of intended words. However, it is not clear on how the reliance on this convenient technological solution affects spelling learning.…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the combination of word prediction and text-to-speech software on the writing process of translating. Participants for this study included 10 elementary and middle school students who had a diagnosis of disorder of written expression. A modified multiple case series was used to collect data…

Many students with physical disabilities have difficulty with writing fluency due to motor limitations. One type of assistive technology that has been developed to improve writing speed and accuracy is word prediction software, although there is a paucity of research supporting its use for individuals with physical disabilities. This study used an…

This study used a modified multiple-baseline design to determine the effects on the writing performance of seven students with special needs when a talking word processor with spell checker software was used independent of and in conjunction with word prediction software as accommodations in daily writing exercises. Results indicated that, in…

This study investigates the performance of a spell checker designed for native writers on misspellings made by second language (L2) learners. It addresses two research questions: 1) What is the correction rate of a generic spell checker for L2 misspellings? 2) What factors influence the correction rate of a generic spell checker for L2…

Writing is a multifaceted, complex task that involves interaction between physical and cognitive skills. Individuals with physical disabilities vary in terms of both their physical and cognitive abilities. Often they must overcome one or more significant barriers in order to engage in the task of writing. Minimizing or eliminating barriers is…

The paper explores the capabilities and limitations of computerized spelling checkers, and describes "School Speller," which operates with the "Magic Slate II" word processing package. Program features include requiring students to practice spelling by re-typing words unrecognized by the program, and allowing teachers to view the accumulating list…

Nine activities are suggested that are designed to help students develop skills in utilizing proofreading as an aid to good spelling. Included is a suggested list of word processing and other software which has spelling check features. (IAH)

Lists eight spelling checkers for word processing (including program name, word processor and computer compatibility, current cost, and source). Also reviews research findings related to the teaching of spelling and offers reasons why spelling checkers may help in teaching children how to spell well. (JN)

Two case studies involving a secondary school student and a science graduate training to become a secondary teacher with writing and spelling difficulties indicated that sustained use of word processing and spelling checker programs helped both subjects improve spelling skills and become more independent writers. (CB)

Computerized spelling programs or "spelling checkers" can be a wonderful tool for writers at any level of competence. However, they should not be used as adjuncts to the teaching of writing unless they meet two boundary conditions, one of size and one of design. The problem with design of the programs is that they allow for the…

Key tailors, desk organizers; text-oriented database programs, outlining programs, thesauruses, spelling checkers, and punctuation and style checkers are described. The functions these programs perform will probably become more common as application programs absorb the functions into their own operation. (Author/MLW)