Q1: What is SpellDoctor?

A:SpellDoctor is a Web-based word study program targeting spelling, vocabulary growth, sentence writing, grammar, word roots, proofreading and more. Each lesson is individualized, featuring words captured from a student’s own writing, plus additional words chosen by the teacher.

Q2: What age student is SpellDoctor intended for?

A: SpellDoctor is designed for grades 4 through 12, but can be used earlier with adequate supervision. SpellDoctor is also very effective for adults wanting to isolate and resolve their spelling error patterns.

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 applet 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 the Lesson Set-Up screen managed by the teacher. To access this screen, the teacher logs in to the Status Window, selects a student 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 to their Assignment Monitor, which lists all the word-study activities assigned to them by their teacher. The whole operation is dynamic, efficient, and convenient. For more information, see How SpellDoctor Works.

Q4: Is word capture noticeable to the user when working on a document?

A: No, word capture is invisible.

Q5: 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.

Q6: What about typos?

A: SpellDoctor addresses typos in 2 ways. First, the SpellDoctor Word Template has the Spell check as you type function turned off. This allows students to proofread their documents before spell checking. Second, teachers can quickly delete typos in the Lesson Set-Up screen.

Q7: 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.

Q8: Can teachers enter their own curriculum words into the lessons?

A: Yes. New vocabulary can be uploaded in bulk or quickly entered using the Add Words tool.

Q9: How many SpellDoctor students can one teacher manage?

A: One teacher can easily manage custom lessons for as many as 100 students.

Q10: Do students have to complete the lessons all at the same time?

A: No. Each student works independently at his or her own pace.

Q11: Is there a way for teachers to include previously-studied words in a new lesson?

A: Yes, the teacher can recycle any word from a student’s spelling journal. The journal is the archive of all the words the student has studied in SpellDoctor lessons.

Q12: Where is all the spelling data stored?

A: SpellDoctor takes care of all database 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 of typical specification, manufactured in the last several years, will comfortably accommodate SpellDoctor. Intel-based Macs running Windows will also work fine. The program will not run on the Mac OS. The program also requires MS Word for Windows and MS Internet Explorer.