Maths Electronic Dictionary 11-14
Given the emphasis within the National Numeracy Strategy on correct use of maths language, I was looking forward to using his electronic dictionary. Overall, I was not disappointed. I have now used this resource in a variety of classroom situations and it comprehensively covers all of the Key Stage 3 Framework vocabulary checklist, plus Year 6 words.
The CD installs quickly and simply (I tried it within both Windows 98 and 2000) and was easy to find on the PC, although it didn’t auto-load a desktop icon. It can also be installed on a network All words are allocated within one of seven logical topic areas and you have three methods of finding a word: using a tree-format alphabetical Index, using a text-entry Search box and through the Topic menu.
All the methods worked well in different classroom situations and I was delighted to see that spelling issues are accommodated in the Search facility through a ‘sounds like’ option, with a sensible list of alternative words being offered.
For each word, you are offered pronunciation, part of speech (good for literacy links), definition (using age-appropriate language), a diagram where suitable (some of which are animated requiring Flash Player), an example of the word used in a sentence, links to related words and interesting background information.
The Help facility is limited to brief explanations of the screen areas and icons but, to be honest, this is all that is needed as the software is so simple to use.
My pupils have enjoyed using the software, both on individual PCs and, more often, through the classroom interactive whiteboard. In fact, I have the dictionary running in the background during most lessons and pupils regularly use it to resolve any word queries. My only complaint was that the text is sometimes too small when used with an interactive whiteboard and cannot be re-sized through the software.
There was a good range of 39 free, downloadable worksheets and lesson ideas in pdf format. These were to be found at here although this is not the website reference provided with the CD user guide and this link no longer works and a search using their website search says ‘not found’..
Overall, an excellent resource that can be used by teacher or pupil, for individual or whole class work. This will definitely get regular use in my classroom.
The paper version of the dictionary comes in a handy A5 size booklet. The content is identical to the Software version, with the same colourful information icons and diagrams (without the animations, of course). The pupils preferred the electronic version, of course, but I would happily recommend this paper version to teachers and parents alike as a reliable and useable resource.
Pete Lane
2 i/c maths and e-learning manager, Swinton Community School Maths and Computing College
Letts Maths Electronic Dictionary 11-14; (£149.00); ISBN 1844410927
and Letts Maths Dictionary 11-14; (£5.00); ISBN 1840856971
Gillian Rich
Published by Letts Educational, a Division of Granada Learning
The Chiswick Centre
414 Chiswick High Road
London W4 5TF
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