The Blackboard Learning System includes a robust Spell Check feature that supports a full English dictionary, a supplemental word list configured by the Administrator, and custom word lists that are stored as a cookie on a user’s local machine. The spell check feature is available wherever users can enter blocks of text. It is also available as a module with the Blackboard Portal System.
Misspelled words are determined by the following three sources:
· Spell Check Dictionary: A full English dictionary that includes words that will not be flagged for correction. The dictionary is also the only source for suggestions. This dictionary cannot be modified.
· Supplemental Word List: A list of additional terms added by the System Administrator that do not appear in the default dictionary. For example, a medical school might wish to upload a list of medical terms so they are not flagged as incorrect terms for their users. This word list can be modified from the System Control Panel.
· Personal Word List: This word list is stored as a cookie on each user’s local machine. Words are added to this list using the Learn feature within Spell Check. Like the supplemental word list, the words on each personal word list are not flagged for correction and are not included as suggestions for errors.
Extensive personal word lists may slow performance of the Spell Check tool.
The Spell Check module includes the same features as the spell check for reviewing a text block. Users simply cut and paste text into the module and then run the spell checker. The module also includes a Clear button to reset the module so new text can be reviewed.
The personal word list is stored as a cookie on the user’s local machine. The cookie is not user or installation specific. Therefore, a user’s word list will be available to them whenever they are using Spell Check with an installation of the Blackboard Learning System, as long as they are on the same local machine. Also, if another user logs onto the same machine, that user will have the personal word list stored on that machine applied to the spell checker. For example, if a user creates a personal word list on a computer in the computer lab, this word list will be available to all users who use this computer in the lab. The user may not take this word list with them to a different computer.