Oxford Dictionary of English FREE

Oxford Dictionary of English FREE is a comprehensive resource for the English language. With it, users can search terms alphabetically from the list on the left of the screen, by typing them into the search box on the top left of the screen, or by tapping the “Camera” button and having the app identify the word. Once a word is chosen, the app provides users with its definition, origin, phonetic pronunciation, a contextualized example of the word in use, and part of speech. Users can tap the “Upload” button on the top right to share the word over email or social media, tap the “Aa” button to modify the font size, or tap the “Star” button to favorite the word. Users can tap the “Three Lined” button to access an additional menu, which bookmarks the words they marked as favorites or recently viewed and they can select the “Word of the Day” option. This option presents a word each day with its complete definition.

Instructional Ideas

1. When students come to a word they do not know, they can use this app to define the word. Additionally, teachers can require students to keep a log of words they defined using this app. The log can be created with an Office app, and students will have to include the word, its definition, synonyms/antonyms for the word, and an example sentence that uses the word.
2. Teachers can begin class each day with a Word of the Day activity. To do so, teachers can connect their device to a projector and show students the word of the day. Next, teachers can provide students with different journal prompts and have them respond to one or more of prompts. In their response, students are required to use the word. For more advanced students, teachers can require them to use synonyms and antonyms for the word.
3. Teachers can have students look up words using this app. To help them comprehend the word’s definition, teachers can have them paraphrase the word’s definition in their own words. Next, teachers can call on students to share their newly worded definitions with the class.

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