Spell Checker – Learning Hub

Ref # - 4688

General

Spell checking in a Learning Hub quiz works with four question types:

  • Written Response
  • Short Answer
  • Multi-Short Answer
  • Fill in the Blanks

There are two options for spell checking, (each with their own pros and cons):

  1. Enable the Leaning Hub spell checker for a specific course(s) by contacting Educational Technology Services (ETS) with the course name, 5-digit course number, and term. Chrome and Firefox spell checkers will also function when the LH spell checker is enabled.
  2. Use the Firefox browser spell checker (Learning Hub spell checker is disabled).

Option 1: Enable the Leaning Hub spell checker. Chrome and Firefox spell checkers also function when the LH spell checker is enabled.

Learning Hub spell checker

Browser spell checkers: Chrome and Firefox

To enable the Learning Hub spell checker, contact Educational Technology Services (ETS) with the course name, 5-digit course number, and term.

Below are the pros and cons of this option.

Pros:

  • Once the Learning Hub spell checker is enabled, all quizzes for your course will have the spell checker.
  • A Learning Hub spell check icon will appear to the right of each of the four question types noted earlier except Written Response question types when the HTML Editor is enabled. Note: The HTML Editor is a toolbar that appears only in a Written Response question type. It contains tools for students to format, add and link content as well as perform additional functions.

Question showing spell checker icon

Written response box w/o HTML Editor

Written response box with HTML Editor

Written response box with HTML editor expanded view

  • Students can optionally use their browser spell checker (Chrome and Firefox) which will work in all four question type including Written response with the HTML Editor enabled.

Below is a screenshot when you add a new Written Response question showing the checkbox to enable/disable the HTML Editor.

howing HTML Editor checkbox

Below are the steps to activate Firefox and Chrome browser spell checkers.

Firefox:

Firefox spell checker - 1

Firefox spell checker - 2

Chrome:

Note: The Learning Hub spell checker must be enabled for Chrome spell checking to work.

Chrome spell checker - 1

Chrome spell checker - 2

Cons:

  • A request will need to be made to ETS to enable the Learning Hub spell checker for a specific course(s). Should you require it for any new course(s), another request will need to be made.
  • Instructors will need to inform students that the Learning Hub spell checker will not work with Written Response questions that use the HTML Editor (toolbar). Students, however, can use the Firefox or Chrome browser spell checker. Note: The HTML Editor only applies to a Written Response question type.

Option 2: Use the Firefox browser spell checker (Learning Hub spell checker is disabled).

Browser: Firefox

Pros:

  • Firefox spell checking works in all four question types except Written Response when the HTML Editor is enabled AND the Learning Hub spell checker is disabled.
  • No need to contact ETS.

Below are the steps to activate the Firefox spell checker.

Firefox spell checker - 1

Firefox spell checker - 2

Con:

  • The basic and enhanced Chrome spell checkers will not function without the Learning Hub spell checker being enabled.

Important Considerations:

  • Browser spell checking functionality and compatibility is subject to change. Always test functionality and compatibility beforehand with a current version of the browser.
  • Note from D2L: “Editing the quiz will not make any modifications to existing attempts, or attempts in progress.” Any students, however, who have not started the quiz will see the modifications when they start the quiz.
  • There is no method to disable all spell checking for a quiz:
    • Deactivating the Learning Hub spell checker does not prevent students from using a browser’s built-in spell checker.
    • Students could use a 3rd party browser plugin for spelling.
    • Students can copy/paste into a local or online program to spell check.
    • Some devices may use auto complete or have their own spell checker.

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