Exploring the effects of a keyboard prediction tool on the Kurdish University EFL learners' spelling competence

Abstract

The rapid integration of online platforms into learners' academic lives has impacted their skills and competence, to which writing is highly connected. Spelling is among the most affected aspects. The current study explores and examines the indirect effects of digital tools, namely keyboard prediction, on EFL learners' spelling competency, where mobile phones are the most commonly used device among learners. Learners who depend too much on online platforms must use various digital devices. For this purpose, forty students from the English Department at Soran University, ranging from Stage One to Four, were randomly chosen to participate in the study. The study designed a special sheet containing questions and a writing area, which were then offered to participants. After answering some questions, the participants had to write eight sentences on paper from dictation. The sentences included at least one common challenging word in terms of spelling. Furthermore, using Cook's (1999) spelling error analysis framework, university students’ performances were evaluated in spelling errors. The results showed the shockingly negative effect of using keyboard prediction tools on EFL learners' spelling performance. Learners had an average of 23 misspelt words. The effect was mainly due to learners improperly using keyboard prediction and spell correctors on smartphones.