A quick websearch shows that there are two ways to deploy spell checkers in our moodle based online writing classes: using moodle server-side technology or activating the browser-based client side technology. I suspect the same is probably true for grammar checkers…..
Spell checker
If you want the HTML editor to have a spell-check button, you need to install aspell 0.50 or later on your server, and enter the correct path to access the aspell binary in Administration > Server > System paths.
I would suggest that a spell checker plug-in be given a low priority, mainly because it’s a resource hog as you have indicated. In case course creators don’t know this, they can work offline in their favorite HTML editor (FrontPage, Dreamweaver etc.) that has a built in spell checker, and simply cut and paste the code into the Moodle HTML editor. With students, teachers can decide whether spelling is a big deal when they use the editor to create something.
You can just turn on the spell-check in your browser.
For IE6, a moodle partner called revolution suggests: The Microsoft Internet Explorer plug-in ieSpell provides spell-checking capabilities in any text box field contained on a web page. This software is freely available for individual personal use, and competetively priced for institutional site licenses.
Is there a spell checker in Moodle?
Yes, but it is not currently turned on. We would recommend the use of a browser such as Firefox 2 (http://www.mozilla.org/firefox) or Safari (http://www.apple.com/safari) that has it’s own spell checker built in. Add-ons for Internet Explorer to provide spell checking are available. These client solutions are generally much more satisfactory than server based ones.
There are also software packages sold as:
The most powerful grammar checker on the market.
Writing style enhancement for professional results.
Contextual spelling and an up–to–date word pool.
Learn from your mistakes & improve your writing
