English spelling vs auto-correct.

In view of the integration of technology into most of our everyday life, the requirement for a strong ability to spell words accurately greatly diminishes, as one can always rely on the 'auto-correct' function.

Previously, people used to undergo rigorous spelling tests to ensure that they are able to spell a word correctly, such that they would be understood by their reader. However, in our current society, so long as one is able to produce a word that is similar to the actual word, he will most probably be able to use the 'auto-correct' function to obtain the right spelling. Therefore, he/she will be able to write as well as someone our age, who have mastered our 'spelling' tests.

Now, this is a question question I would like all readers to ponder upon:

Should we reduce the importance of 'spelling' because of the change in our technological landscape? 


Definitely, every individual have a different take on this. Let us know your take, and why.


*Update*

12 May 11, 01:26 blogger: in addition, many biological terms is not recognised by auto-correct function. So spelling is stil important to produce a good written report as well as for some specialised areas.

12 May 11, 01:23 blogger: auto-correction should not undermine the importance of good spelling.It is as good as saying mental sum is less important because we have a calculator. Technology is just a tool to help us. A worthy perspective shared by 'blogger'. He/She highlights that the 'auto-correct' function is a tool for generic English use, and that it would not be as useful in specialized fields. Hence, there is a limitation for the usefulness of the 'auto-correct' function. Also, I am guessing that he/she implies that the discussed function should be a tool to tackle our carelessness, rather than something that we rely on. Thanks for sharing!