Dictionary Apps to Support LD
I love dictionary apps on mobile devices. They provide spelling and word look up on demand. For individuals with reading and spelling challenges it can provide immediate access to spelling or definitions using the integrated voice recognition tools within apps or on the keyboard of iPad 3 or 4 for those with good articulation and Internet connectivity to search for a word. This can be a great tool for spelling searches and pronunciations for some individuals.
A recent evaluation identified the need of an individual to be able to access terms, hear audio pronunciation of a word, and listen to definitions read aloud. Creating a word list that could be alphabetized for quick reference would also be important due to significant literacy challenges. Due to the setting which it would be used, Wi-Fi may not be available requiring offline availability of the features.
Which of the dictionary apps might offer such features for the individual?
The search ensued comparing apps features and what features were available on and offline and on what device. A few standard dictionary apps were not reviewed due to lack of free versions and cost*. There often seems to be minor differences between iPhone/iPad app features so trialing each one and the following features was needed:
- Audio Pronunciation (text to speech does not always provide accurate pronunciation)
- Availability of audio pronunciation on and offline
- Favorites list feature with sorting alphabetically or filing system for organized search capabilities
- Definitions can be read aloud using Speak Selection feature (available in Settings>Accessibility>Speak Selection> On)
- Definitions should be easy to understand and also provide basic medical terms
Although there may be more apps that provides some of the above features, the following dictionary apps were chosen to compare due to their multiple feature match:
Dictionary App |
General Dictionary Features |
Audio tool to pronounce word available? |
Can definitions be read aloud (with TTS – Select Text)? |
Can “Favorite” Word List be created? |
Online or Offline Audio Pronunciation Available? |
Merriam Webster AppiPhone,iPod,iPad, Android;Free version, upgrades available |
Integrated Speech to text search tool;225,000 definitions; Wildcard search |
Yes, Audio pronunciation available(requires Wi-Fi ) |
Yes, Text can be selected, copied and spoke aloud using Speak Selection (Settings>Accessibility option) |
Yes; Create Favorite list; No sort capabilities |
Audio available only Online (Internet connection) |
Dictionary.Com AppiPad, iPod, iPhone, Android;Free version |
Speech to text search; more than 1,000,000 definitions; Wildcard search |
Yes, Audio pronunciation available (requires Wi-Fi) |
Definitions link; unable to copy or use Speak Selection (Settings>Accessibility option) to read definitions |
Yes, create Favorite list, no sorting capabilities with list |
Audio available Online and Offline |
Word Web Audio Dictionary AppiPhone, iPad, iPod, Android;Audio version: 3.99 |
No speech to text search; 225,000 definitions extensive setting options; Wildcard search |
Yes, Audio pronunciation available without Wi-Fi |
Yes, Text can be selected, copied and spoke aloud using Speak Selection (Settings>Accessibility option) |
Yes, Creation of Favorites List; Alphabetical Sort of Favorite Word |
Audio available Online and Offline |
Cambridge Audio Dictionary AppiPhone, iPod, iPad, AndroidAudio Version 16.99 |
170,000 definitionsNo integrated speech to text search; Study tools available |
Yes, Audio Pronunciation available without Wi-Fi |
Definitions link; unable to copy or use Speak Selection (Settings>Accessibility option) to read definitions |
Yes,Allows creating folders, Alphabetical sort of Favorite Words |
Audio Pronunciation Online and Offline |
The Free Dictionary – Farley AppiPad, iPod, iPhone, Android;Free; Upgrade 1.99 |
Extensive dictionary with easy to understand definitions; Wildcard search |
Yes, Audio Pronunciation available with Wi-Fi |
Yes, Text can be selected, copied and spoke aloud using Speak Selection (Settings>Accessibility option) |
No Favorite Word List available |
Audio Pronunciation available Online |
Reviewing the features my dictionary app choices, the Word Web Dictionary App provides all of the features needed:
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Offline audio pronunciation
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Ability to select the definition and use Speak Selection feature to listen to the definitions
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The dictionary word list is extensive and provides a variety of standard and medical terms.
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Creation of a “Favorites” word list which has a sort feature that automatically alphabetizes the list.
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Additional settings in Word Web Dictionary providing options of text size, turning on and off text linking to enable definitions to be read aloud and what features you want displayed with the definition.
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Copy to clipboard is available to copy the word and definition to other sources.
At 3.99 Word Web Dictionary app is a bargain with its accessibility options. Although it does not have a speech to text search tool, for those using a iPad 3/4, use of the voice recognition tool in the keyboard allows searching for words by voice with Wi-Fi connectivity.
For a review of other dictionary apps for individuals with LD visit a previous post Dictionary Apps for LD – #1.
* American Heritage Dictionary, Longman’s Dictionary
What are your favorite dictionary apps for individuals with reading and writing challenges?
Carol
OT's with Apps & Technology 