Evaluation of the Franklin Spanish-English Dictionary

1. Name of the technology:

Franklin Talking Spanish-English Dictionary

2. Category of Assistive Technology:

READING: Reading comprehension and vocabulary.
WRITING: Spelling conventions and word choice.
WRITING: Productivity through text and auditory feedback.

3. Description of how the technology works:

This device allows students to easily translate words back and forth from Spanish to English. A student can type a word in Spanish into the device. The device then translates the word into English. The translation will also be spoken aloud to the student, which helps to make the experience auditory and visual. The device also has a dictionary, phonics, and games section to add a variety of learning experiences.

4. Which of the Universal Design for Learning principles listed below might be facilitated by this technology? Explain how.

•Representation of information - make content available and comprehensible to students using a variety of modes (i.e., don’t just present information via text or orally; present it in as many formats as is feasible)
---> This device makes vocabulary an accessible thing for students who are just learning English, or even just learning to read and write. The device presents the assistive technology in a variety of modes: visual, auditory, and with motor movement of typing the words. With this device, students don't have to be overwhelmed by vocabulary. Students can work quickly and clearly in a user friendly manner to comprehend vocabulary.

•Engagement in learning – provide varied ways for students to participate in, and contribute to, the learning community.
---> This device accounts for the reality that not all students will be on the same level. Some students may be far ahead in terms of vocabulary. Other students may be English Language Learners who really need an extra boost when it comes to comprehending English vocabulary. This would be a valuable device for a student to have in a classroom. This way a student who is an English Language Learner, can be helped up to the level of vocabulary comprehension that the rest of the class may be at.

5.What types or groups of students might benefit from the use of this technology? For what learning goals might it be most effective?

I think that this device would be most helpful for students who are English Language Learners. This would be a great device to allow students to keep up with classmates and stay on top of vocabulary. I think this device would be of great benefit because it allows the student to individualize the amount of help they need. They don't have to constantly be asking the teacher for help or falling behind. They can easily plug in a word in Spanish and translate it into English, or plug in an English word that they are unfamiliar with and figure out the word's Spanish equivalent.


6.Do you have any concerns or reservations about this technology?

This technology device could become a problem if students used it simply to play games and make funny noises. It would be wonderful if students used it as a learning tool and aid. Of course it could be fun too but students would have to be responsible to keep a balance on the fun part and helpful part of this device. The talking component of this device could also be distracting to the class. It could become a toy for some students or classmates. Another concern I have for this device is that it may be a little expensive for some students or school districts to afford. However some of the devices run between $20 and $40 so this could be feasible for many students and districts.


7.Any other comments, suggestions, or recommendations you might make to a teacher contemplating the use of this assistive technology?

AS a future teacher, I really thought about how useful this technology could be to not only students who are English Language Learners, but also to students and teachers who are the educators and classmates of ELL students. I am not well versed in the Spanish language. For me this device would be great to translate English words into Spanish so that I could better connect with students who are ELL. My understanding of the Spanish language would help me differentiate my instruction and reach a wider variety of comprehension levels. I urge other future teachers to consider how beneficial this device could be to any learner or teacher in a classroom.