-tictech message:
My last thoughts on this subject.
I think some people consider spell checking to be an option. It is only an
option if you turn it off. There is no equitability between using a program
responsible for figuring out mathematic functions that require programming
and more than likely a degree, and using spell checker to correct simple
mistakes, and less obvious ones. The only digital divide that exists for the
present argument is access to a computer. What kind of natural skill or
training is needed to learn to right click on a word that has a red line
under it? I know some people do not have the inherent knowledge of said
procedure, but it can be taught along the same lines as looking up a word in
a dictionary.
The digital divide in this argument is a null point. It has no bearing. I do
not know the parameters of this test, whether it is timed or what, but if
they gave students enough time to use a dictionary, then you should have a
choice whether to use one or not. In fact, dictionaries are not the best way
to learn how to spell words. Let's define dictionary:
---- Main Entry: dic·tio·nary Pronunciation: 'dik-sh&-"ner-E Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -nar·ies Etymology: Medieval Latin dictionarium, from Late Latin diction-, dictio word, from Latin, speaking Date: 1526 1 : a reference book containing words usually alphabetically arranged along with information about their forms, pronunciations, functions, etymologies, meanings, and syntactical and idiomatic uses. (Merriam Webster online: www.m-w.com) ----It does not say once that it is intended as a tool to spell check with. Supposedly you are supposed to learn how to spell in school using phonetics and general guidelines. Spell checker's purpose, on the other hand, is quite straight forward: to assist in correcting someone's spelling. Now anyone who leaves spell checker alone in it's onslaught of corrected words will be embarrased at some point. To Two Too. Bare Bear Bar. Sun Son.
My point is that holding back a tool like spell checker is like holding back use of a dictionary when they first were made accessible to most people. You could use the same argument. Dictionaries are technology as well. I think I know more people who own Word than own actual honest-to-goodness dictionaries.
Using that statistic, why don't we just pat them on the head and say good luck?
Devin Fisher Tichnoligee Kansultint Ban Vassilt Alameanterie (mailto:dmfisher@seattleschools.org)
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