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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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AT Messenger Logo - Bringing Technology to You

Volume 12, No. 4, Fall 2004

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Franklin Electronic Publishers Quells Students’ Dictionary Fears

Eden Melmed, AT Specialist, New Castle County ATRC

Many students experience difficulty when looking up the meaning and spelling of a word in traditional dictionaries. For some, physically accessing the dictionary may be the problem. For others, it may be a question of "How do I look up a word if I can't spell it?" Technology is now available to make using a dictionary easier. Franklin Electronic Publishers, producer of handheld information devices, offers a wide range of electronic dictionaries and spelling aids. These devices are compact, lightweight and, best of all, being electronic gadgets, kids love to use them.

No matter the age or physical limitations of the user, Franklin has an electronic learning aid that will grab a student's attention. The many devices Franklin offers can range in price from as little as $25 to as much as $450, and can aid a student in successfully learning to work and read independently in and out of the classroom.

A variety of features are available in these products, but not every device offers every feature. In addition, why increase the complexity and cost of the product with features that are not needed?

When purchasing these electronic educational devices, some questions to ask include:

• How many words are included in the device's dictionary?

• Does the device include a thesaurus?

• Is the device speaking or non-speaking?

• Are other tools such as a calculator or an address book part of the device?

• Is the display screen easy to read?

• Is the keyboard large enough?

Elementary-Level Dictionaries

Elementary school students will be excited to use the Children's Talking Dictionary and Spell Corrector (MSRP $49.95) to read some of their favorite books on their own. This device allows students to type a word that they are unsure of into the device's keyboard. The device then pronounces each letter of the word, pronounces the entire word, and writes the word in print and script. Students can also look up the word's definition and have it read aloud. The device includes a 40,000 word dictionary, a personal spelling word list, and five games with variable skill levels.

Children' s Talking Dictionary and Spell CorrectorChildren’s Talking Dictionary and Spell Corrector

Another elementary-level dictionary is the Homework Wiz® (MSRP $24.95). This device has features similar to those in the Children's Talking Dictionary and Spell Corrector, but it does not offer spoken output. Features include a 40,000 word dictionary, a spell corrector, games with variable skill levels, and a handwriting guide. It also teaches elementary Spanish and French phrases and includes an arithmetic tutor.

Advanced Dictionaries and Thesauruses

The Speaking Language Master Special Edition (MSRP $450) is a speaking dictionary and thesaurus. This device is great for improving reading and pronunciation skills. It also helps students learn to work independently. The Speaking Language Master includes supports for those with a variety of disabilities. It can pronounce every key, function, and display when using the device; offers an oversized display for easy reading; comes with press-on locator dots for the keys; and features a large keyboard to make data entry easier. This device contains 300,000 definitions, 500,000 synonyms, 11,000 antonyms, a grammar guide, and a phonetic spell correction for 110,000 words. To make the Speaking Language Master a multitasking device, Franklin included memory space for 26 personal messages with audio and visual playback and 10 word games to entertain students when they are taking a break from studying.

Speaking Language Master Special EditionSpeaking Language Master Special Edition

The Speaking Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary (MSRP $119.95) is another electronic dictionary/thesaurus option. It is a comprehensive college-level dictionary device with over 200,000 words, 500,000 synonyms, a comprehensive grammar guide, and an instant phonetic spell corrector. The device speaks the word's definition to the user and also has interactive word games. The dictionary and thesaurus can be expanded with additional content.

Spelling Correctors

Spelling correctors are a great, moderately priced academic tool for students of all ages. These devices can assist in such tasks as improving spelling skills, expanding a student's vocabulary, and figuring out the final clue in a crossword puzzle. Franklin offers several options for students interested in an electronic spelling assistant.

Franklin's Spelling Ace® and Thesaurus (MSRP $29.99) works by having the student enter his/her best attempt at spelling a word and then the device will provide several options of the word the device thinks the user is trying to spell. The device has an 110,000 word phonetic spell corrector and contains 500,000 synonyms and antonyms. This device is pocket size and also includes a calculator and a 100-person address book.

The Speaking Spelling and Handwriting Ace™ (MSRP $59.95) is for younger students. Some excellent features of this device are a keyboard that speaks letters as keys are pressed and a large display screen that allows the user to easily view the word as it is entered. This device pronounces and spells words and has 11 word games with variable skill levels.

For more information about these and other Franklin Electronic Publishers products, please visit their Website at www.franklin.com or contact your local ATRC.
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