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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Quiz related
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My subscription
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Do you teach American or British English?
- The quiz
does not display right!
- What is the best setting to view the quiz?
- Why is the text entry field so large?
- How can I add my own words?
- Do you keep records of misspelled words?
- Where can I
get performance feedback?
- How can I change my level?
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Is your free trial really "free"?
- How much does membership cost?
- Do I need to have a PayPal account?
- I need help with eSpindle!
- Can I fax or mail my subscription?
- What is your privacy policy?
- What are your standards?
- How can I change my goal settings?
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Parents and teachers
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Educational organizations |
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- How can I review progress?
- Can I include a specific list of words?
- How can we use eSpindle in our
school?
- Why don't you teach the words
first?
- Can my children share a membership?
- How can we become "affiliates"?
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- Do you offer site licenses?
- How should I use eSpindle?
- Is eSpindle only for gifted students?
- Do you offer scholarships?
- How can eSpindle help us fundraise?
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Is
eSpindle teaching American or British English?
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eSpindle uses American voices for the audio in the quizzes.
Our main focus are US-American spelling
conventions.
However, we have designed our database in such a way
that it will accept alternative spelling conventions (if accepted by
Merriam-Webster) and British English
spelling variations as well.
On the final answer screen it will
always display the standard American English spelling.
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The quiz does
not display right.
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 If
you don't see buttons when starting the quiz, you need to
install
the Flash player.
A Flash player is a program that is used by over 98% of all web
users to enjoy fast loading audio, animation and more.
Installation is very easy to do:
Just click here to download the latest player in less than 2
minutes - a small file that will make the Internet a lot more fun!
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What is the best setting to view the quiz?
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This website is designed for use with Netscape 5 (or higher),
Internet Explorer 6 (or higher) and Firefox browsers, both on Macintoshs
and PCs.
However, since every browser displays the information provided a
little bit differently, we do have preferences, and recommend
Firefox. With Mozilla's Firefox browser you can use the keyboard
to navigate through the quizzes with ease and speed. If you have not
already done so, please
click here to
download this great browser for free, it will soon become your
favorite browser.
As you install it, it will automatically import favorites and other
settings from your former browser.
The quiz works best with a minimum screen resolution of
800x600.
A higher resolution
is even better, especially if you would like to see what Shirley Brainy has to say without
scrolling up and down the screen.
To increase your screen's resolution, PC users click on the Start
button in the bottom left corner, then Settings , then
Control Panel , then Display .
In the Display Properties box click on Settings , and
move the pointer in the screen resolution field to
1024x768 or higher.
Mac users can change screen settings by clicking on the Apple icon
in the top left and going to settings.
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Why is the text entry field so large?
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Most people are visual learners, and even those that do not use
visual information as their main learning style will rely on clear
visual presentation for a big part of their learning.
With the help of a Stanford-trained eLearning expert and utilizing
the wisdom of
current
educational and brain research, we carefully designed and
optimized this website to best accommodate the brain's learning
processes.
Based on this research we purposefully display the text entry and
correctly spelled words in extra-large font, while immediately
erasing misspelled words.
We further chose a font optimized for
visual learning - its letters' upper and lower length is pronounced
and supports the formation of Mental Orthographic Images (MOIs).
Keeping the overall design as simple as possible also makes it easy
for the brain to reach its goal - to build true knowledge, one word
at a time.
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How can I add my own word list to the quiz?
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Please watch our short slide
show as an easy introduction into the program and the various
benefit it provides. It will quickly answer most of your questions.
Under You in the navigation bar, click on Add words.
Here you can add any words you would like to study with priority,
either one at a time or by entering them all at once, separated by a
comma (word1, word2, word3).
Words you add to the wordlist will be quizzed with priority.
Important:
You will need to close the current quiz and click on Start Quiz
in the navigation bar to see the priority words come up immediately.
Words that you have not mastered in the first quiz will be quizzed
with priority as you start new quizzes until you have learned them
for life.
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Do you keep a record of the words I got wrong?
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Of course! Members can review the words they misspelled at any time
by clicking on Words to practice under You in the
navigation bar.
The general, free-for-all practice quiz does not offer this
functionality.
This list can also be printed for offline study, and we recommend
reviewing the words frequently, especially before going to sleep
(also see our study tips ).
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Where can I get feedback on how I am doing?
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Click on Performance any time, then on Your results so far
(click here) to review how many words were spelled correctly,
incorrectly or skipped in any particular quiz, in addition to the
date and time the quiz was completed.
Many categories will also result in a "top five students" list under
the Performance listing. Keep studying with eSpindle, and
your name will soon join their ranks before you move on to new
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How can I get to an easier or more challenging level?
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Clicking on Preferences under You in the navigation
bar will display your current school grade level. Simply choose a
lower or higher level and click Submit .
Please note that this option is only given if selected "I want to
improve my grades and become best in the class!" or "I am learning
English as a foreign language and want a personal coach!" in the
personal goals area of the Preferences screen.
All other options are designed as comprehensive packages that will
guide you through a carefully designed selection of words. |
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My goals have changed. What should I do?
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Again, click on Preferences under You in the
navigation bar.
Select your new goal and click Submit.
Once you start the next quiz, your new settings will automatically
take effect, remembering any previously studied words.
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Is your free trial really
"free"? |
Yes! Sign up takes only seconds, and we do not ask you for your
address or payment information during registration. There also is
nothing to download or install, so your free trial with eSpindle is
also worry-free and easy.
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How much does membership
cost? |
Please click here to see our
membership fees explained.
We offer annual and life-time memberships, and even monthly
installment plans.
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Do I need to have a PayPal account to become a member?
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No!
You will
need a PayPal account to take advantage of the self-renewing
membership option - the most cost-effective way to subscribe.
Creating a PayPal account is effortless and built into the sign-up
process: Just a few more clicks and you are done! If you sign up via
self-renewing PayPal subscription, you can also switch to a monthly
payment plan after completing checkout (you then process an annual
subscription first and modify the payment terms later on the final
screen).
However, if you choose not to create a PayPal account, you may pay
by credit card online via secure server, or you can print and fax or
mail an
order form along with a check or money order.
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I am having problems with the program.
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created a short slide show
as an easy introduction into the program and the various benefit it
provides. Please take a few seconds to review the program, and most
likely everything will become more obvious to you. If not, please
tell us of any problems you experience while using eSpindle!
Please
email us a short note, telling us what troubled you!
You can also click on the live help button next to the top
navigation bar to instantly connect with us or call 866-eSpindle for
immediate assistance.
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Is signing up online secure? Can I fax or mail my order? |
We use an SSL secured process that encrypts your data while in
transit.
In
addition credit cards have committed to extensive protection for
online transactions.
If you prefer, you always have the option to
print out this order form and fax or mail it to us.
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What is your privacy policy? -
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Our
privacy policy
protects you 100%. We do not share, rent or sell our member lists,
and only collect data that is necessary to provide you with a smooth
and fun online experience.
eSpindle is committed to the Child Protection Act, and
guardians can request at sign-up to be copied on any correspondence
emailed to the member.
We have also designed our site to align with the
Business Bureau's Code of Online Business Practices and the
Safe Harbor Principles.
Click here to read our full
privacy policy and user agreement.
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What are your standards? Why should a guardian sign up a minor?
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Our website is used by all ages 7+ to improve their language skills,
but in accordance with the Child Protection Act we do not accept
subscriptions from minors.
If you are less than 18 years old, please ask a guardian to create
your membership account.
During this process guardians have the option to request that all
email correspondence sent to members is copied to them as well.
eSpindle complies with the legal and social compliance standards of
the California Department of Education, and is carefully aligned
with nationwide and state specific No-Child-Left-Behind (NCLB)
standards. For more information, please
click here.
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How can I review progress?
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Log in
to your member area and click on Performance under the "you"
tab. You can review how many words were spelled correctly,
incorrectly or skipped in any particular quiz, and the date and time
the quiz was completed.
In addition, any words that were misspelled are displayed on the
Words to Practice list . Once they have been practiced
sufficiently - that is, have been spelled correctly over three
subsequent sessions - they are automatically removed.
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Can your quizzes focus on a specific list of words?
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Under you in the navigation bar, click on Add words.
Add any words you would like to study with priority, like a spelling
word list for example. You can submit priority words either one at a
time or by simply typing the words separated by commas (word1,
word2, word3). Either way, you will receive instant confirmation of
the successful upload.
Words that you add to the wordlist
will be quizzed with priority.
You will need to close the current quiz and click on Start Quiz
in the navigation bar to see these added priority words come up
immediately.
Priority words that were misspelled will be repeated at the start of
each subsequent quiz until you have learned them for life.
Did you know that eSpindle creates custom sessions custom-tailored
to a variety of goals?
A student
who wants to prepare for the Spelling Bee will be quizzed from a
different set of words than someone trying to prepare for the SAT.
These personal goals can be selected by going to the Preferences
tab after you log in.
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How can eSpindle enhance our curriculum?
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Do you
recognize these problems with traditional study techniques?
*** Most students will already know many of the words on the list,
but will still be obliged to spend their time and attention
“studying” them.
*** Top students will possibly know all the words already, receiving
neither the benefit of an enlarged vocabulary or, more generally,
the mental stimulation that derives from a challenge.
*** Less proficient spellers, including those not fluent in English,
or those with a learning disability, may lag behind their peers and
be in need of more tutoring - a need that, due to issues of school
time and financial resources, might go unmet.
*** Students will typically study their word lists on the morning of
a test, so their test scores will reflect only the power of their
short-term memories, instead of actual comprehension and retention.
Administer a “surprise test” on the same list a few days or weeks
later, and the scores will probably show that many of the words’
spellings and meanings have indeed faded from students’ memories.
*** Spelling word lists require on average 2,5 hours of class room
time, in addition to time spent studying at home. This is time that
is not available for other learning tasks.
*** In sum, a minimal level of new
learning is the return on the investment of considerable time,
money, and other resources on the part of students and teachers
(including parents).
These are the benefits of the new
patent-pending eSpindle technology:
(+) With its 95,000-word database, eSpindle offers real variety -
and real learning - to students on each quiz.
(+) Words that students have mastered will not be repeated on
subsequent tests.
(+) On the other hand, students will know which words they still
need to work on and receive well-managed tutoring. In other words,
eSpindle replaces the typical study-test approach with a more
dynamic test-study approach.
(+) Words that students misspell will be repeated in subsequent
tests over carefully planned intervals, until the student has
correctly input them into the system three times in a row over an
extended period of time.
(+) This staggered approach accommodates students of varying
learning speeds and is a far more reliable measure of long-term
retention.
(+) Appropriate for multiple learning styles: Students who are
challenged by the written content on a test can listen to the
related audio files (i.e., word pronunciation, samples sentences) as
much as they need to in order to fully absorb a word’s spelling and
meaning.
(+) eSpindle will never grow impatient or make the student feel bad!
(+) Advanced-level students can proceed to a quiz level that is
appropriate for them, and that addresses their particular goals -
maybe winning the Spelling Bee or mastering the English language’s
most commonly misspelled words.
(+) No cramming for tests, and no final exam: Since eSpindle adapts
to and keeps track of the individual’s progress, learning is a
continuous and ever-intriguing experience. eSpindle removes
unnecessary pressure and the need for a final exam - the emphasis is
on learning for life.
(+) At any time, parents and teachers can log onto the eSpindle site
to review a student’s progress, see which words have been mastered
and which need more work, etc.
(+) eSpindle is not only a tool for the English teacher! Words
important to other subject areas can be uploaded as well, and will
then be reliably tutored.
For more information, please
click here.
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Why don't you introduce the words that come up in the quiz?
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Educators agree that a test-study approach is superior than a
study-test approach, because it allows students to focus their time
on fulfilling their individual needs (please
read our White Paper
Research Based Tutoring of English Spelling for more info).
Research has shown that it is more effective to first determine
which words a student already knows, and then focus the tutoring
effort on the words that a student does not yet know confidently.
Such an approach, while desirable, is hard to implement in any
traditional study environment, because it requires sophisticated
organization and management of words known and those that need
further study.
eSpindle was designed to assist learners by creating custom learning
quizzes based on the individual learning profile. This way, learning
becomes more efficient and interesting, providing long-term
retention.
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Can we share a membership?
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No, because that would result in a compromised learning profile!
eSpindle remembers the goals, skill level and learning history of
each member, and creates custom learning quizzes based on this
information.
If more than one student uses the same log-in, it will destroy the
learning profile, eSpindle's unique benefit, and result in less
efficient learning quizzes.
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What does it mean
to become an "affiliate"?
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eSpindle Learning is an educational non-profit 501(c)3 organization
and committed to making its memberships available to minors and
disadvantaged students at a drastically reduced rate.
To accomplish this, we partner with other non-profits and
educational institutions, which can become affiliate partners.
All it requires is an easy setup process that takes only minutes to
complete. eSpindle Learning will then issue a unique coupon code for
the affiliate's audience, allowing for a 50% reduced membership
price at sign-up.
In addition, affiliates can earn commissions for referrals to meet
their fundraising goals. Alternatively, an organization may choose
to receive free scholarships in place of commissions.
If you are representing such an organization, please
click here to
sign up, or call 866-eSpindle.
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Do you offer site licenses?
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Yes! Site licenses allow educational institutions to purchase
memberships for groups of 25 or more.
This allows teachers to upload spelling word lists to an entire
group with one click, and provides easy access to student reports.
Did you know that spelling word lists require about 2,5 hours per
week of classroom time? This does not include time parents and
students invest into learning the old-fashioned way.
eSpindle replaces spelling word lists with easy, fun, efficient
and effective learning management.
Please click here if you would like to
learn more about site licenses.
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How can I best support students that use eSpindle?
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Parents, tutors and teachers will breathe a sigh of relief once they
realize how easy and efficient the task of studying vocabulary and
spelling has become with eSpindle!
All that is left to do is sign on every once in a while to review
the student's work.
Complete data about each quiz session is easily accessible through
the Performance tab, located under "you" in the navigation
bar after log in. It provides accurate information about
how long a student studied and which words were entered correctly,
incorrectly or skipped.
Misspelled words are automatically
added to the Practice Words list, which can be printed for
offline review.
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Is eSpindle only for gifted students?
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No!
eSpindle is a wonderful tool for students who may be
under-challenged in a traditional setting and aspire to higher
goals, like winning the Spelling Bee.
However, with its intelligent quiz engine eSpindle is a suitable
learning tool for a large variety of students:
(+) Students that are lagging behind in the classroom and need extra
tutoring and assistance are able to catch up in easy, efficient
steps!
(+) Students with learning disabilities (dyslexia, ADD/ADHD) find a
patient and effective tutor in eSpindle. This program will remember
the words they need to practice and will never tire of providing the
assistance needed.
(+) Students of English as a foreign language (EFL/ESL) will further
benefit from the combined tutoring on pronunciation, meaning, usage
and spelling.
(+) eSpindle offers a custom module focusing on words that are
commonly misspelled to help the average speller gain 100% confidence
with these "word traps".
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Do you offer scholarships?
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Yes! We offer scholarships through our affiliate partners.
Please talk with your local parent teacher organization or PTA about
becoming an affiliate partner in a 2-minute sign-up procedure.
Other non-profit organizations and educational institutions are also
invited to become affiliate partners, and will in return earn
referral fees or scholarships.
If you are representing such an organization, please
click here to
sign up , or call 866-eSpindle.
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How can eSpindle help our fundraising goals?
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Every subscriber referred by your organization will generate a
generous commission. Your affiliate account can be reviewed 24/7
online and checks are sent automatically on a regular basis.
If you are representing a non-profit or educational organization,
please click here
to sign up, or call 866-eSpindle.
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