“Do we rely need tradisional spelling instruction when their are spell checkers?” : The correlation between spell checkers and spelling acquisition of the L2 learner

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate in which ways spell checkers affect L2 learners’ spelling acquisition and whether or not they are suitable for educational purposes. A systematic literature review and a survey were conducted to retrieve data. Further, a phenomenographic approach was applied throughout the study. The results of the study showed that in order forspell checkers to function as an aid for the L2 learners’ spelling acquisition, the learner needs to consciously engage in explicit learning to be able to utilize the aid. Therefore, spell checkers require learners to use individual responsibility. The results also showed that spell checkers need improvements in order to fully function in educational purposes since current spell checkers have limitations as far as detecting errors.