Assistive Technology: WordMagic English Spanish Dictionary
Category of AT: I think that this could be useful in both reading and writing. For reading it would be with reading comprehension and vocabulary, and for writing it would be with spelling conventions and word choice.
How Technology works: This piece of technology is an ipad/ipod application. It is used like a normal dictionary search website. There is a search bar to type words or phrases into, which drops down with “likely” phrases. You can select which language you are using to translate by tapping on either the American or Mexican Flag. When you do a search the application shows you all possible translations, synonyms for the word or phrase, and the definition or meaning. There is a conjugation button for the Spanish translations that will show all conjugations of the word. There is also a button you can tap that will pronounce the word for you (works with headphones).
Universal Design for Learning Principal/ learning goals: I think that WordMagic falls under the category of “Representation of Information”. It makes content more comprehendible for students (especially English language learners) by provide translation for words they may not yet be familiar with. If a student is struggling to understand vocabulary then it will be difficult for them to gain full understanding. With a tool available such as WordMagic, they could have a much more accessible way to gain meaning from confusing words or phrases. I think that this tool could be very beneficial for ELL students, especially for vocabulary and content goals in reading and writing as well.
Concerns: I don’t think this tool would be especially beneficial for younger children, or any non-readers. It’s not very kid-friendly. If it were to have pictures or more speaking options a younger child who cannot yet read or write might be able to get better use out if it.
Comments/Suggestion: Another Assistive technology that is very similar to WordMagic is dictionary.com. It doesn’t do translations but it could be used to help students learn new vocabulary and look up words they might not know yet to gain a better understanding of a text. It also has a special feature that gives you a word of the day, which could be used as a classroom activity for everyone to teach new vocabulary.
