Q1: What is SpellDoctor?

A: SpellDoctor is a web-based word study program targeting spelling, vocabulary growth, and sentence writing. Each lesson is individualized, featuring words captured from a student’s use of the spell checker in his or her own document work.

Q2: What age student is SpellDoctor intended for?

A: SpellDoctor is designed for students that make regular use of Microsoft Word®. The primary target grades are 4th through 12th, but the program can be used earlier with adequate supervision. Beyond high school, SpellDoctor is highly effective on the college level and can be used in workplace settings as well.

Q3: Does SpellDoctor get installed on the client computer or is it web-based?

A: Both. The SpellDoctor Word Template must be installed on the client computer. This template is a quick download from www.spelldoctor.com. The template is a modified version of Microsoft Word that has two primary functions: First, it captures all spell-checked words. Second, it uploads these words to the user's web-based account, when directed to do so by the user.

Once words are uploaded, all other SpellDoctor activity happens at www.spelldoctor.com. Uploaded words are stored in a Lesson Set-Up screen managed by the student’s teacher. To access this screen, the teacher logs in, selects a student from the displayed roster, and quickly assigns words for a new lesson. The teacher can select words from the Captured, Curriculum, or Cross Curriculum lists. Each assignment is tailored to the individual needs of the student.

To perform their lessons, students log in and follow their Assignment Monitor, which lists all the word-study activities assigned to them by their teacher. The whole operation is dynamic, efficient, and convenient. The end product is an Individualized Spelling Journal for each student. This journal can be analyzed and sorted for trouble words, enabling teachers to spotlight error patterns specific to individuals and/or groups.  

Q4: How long does it take for a teacher to set up a lesson?

A: A new lesson can be set up in about 30 seconds.

Q5: Can teachers enter their own curriculum or cross curriculum words into the lessons?

A: Yes. New vocabulary can be uploaded in bulk using the Admin Tools and/or entered by the teacher using the Add Words screen.

Q6: How many SpellDoctor students can one teacher manage?

A: A teacher can easily manage custom lessons for as many as 75 students.

Q7: Do students have to complete the lessons all at the same time?

A: No. Each student works privately at his/her own pace.

Q8: Is word capture noticeable to the user when working on a document?

A: No, word capture is invisible.

Q9: How does SpellDoctor make sure that uploaded words get to the correct student account?

A: Students enter their School ID and User Name in the SpellDoctor upload screen.

Q10: What about typos?

A: SpellDoctor addresses typos in two ways. First, the SpellDoctor Word Template has the spell check as you type function in Word turned off. This allows students to proofread their documents before spell checking. Second, teachers can quickly delete typos in the Lesson Set-Up screen.

Q11: If students use the Spell check as you type function in Microsoft Word® will SpellDoctor still capture their errors?

A: Yes, however it will capture everything that is misspelled, including typos. Also, the SpellDoctor Upload Window will not open until you exit Word®. If the program is left open and a different user creates a new document, that user’s errors will be added to the next upload.

Q12: Where is all the spelling data stored?

A: SpellDoctor takes care of all data base security and management at its own servers.

Q13: How long does it take for test results to post?

A: Test results are posted instantly for both the student and teacher. Incorrect answers are shown side by side with corrected spellings so that troublesome word parts can be spotted.

Q14: What are the basic system requirements for SpellDoctor and WordLogger?

A: Windows computers, including Vista, of typical specification, manufactured in the last several years should comfortable accommodate SpellDoctor. Intel-based Macs capable of running Windows will also work fine. The program requires MS Word for Windows and MS Internet Explorer. SpellDoctor will not run on the Mac OS or with work with Word 97 or older.