Online Dictionaries in ESL/EFL Education: Three Guidelines for Literacy Tasks

Today’s ESL/EFL students frequently access online dictionaries for different purposes. Recent research suggests using online dictionaries improves learners’ literacy development (Dwaik, 2015; Ranalli, 2013a, 2013b; Töpel, 2016; Zheng & Wang, 2016). However, many ESL/EFL teachers and students do not maximize the potential of computer- and mobile-based dictionaries by using them effectively for various literacy tasks. This work attempts to address the instructional gap. In this workshop, the presenters demonstrate hands-on activities and tasks for effectively using online dictionaries (e.g., Longman, Collins, Merriam-Webster, etc.) for ESL/EFL literacy development. The presenters will share three guidelines: direct instruction, translingual support, and integrative teaching. This session describes how ESL/EFL teachers can integrate online dictionaries with various literacy activities. Participants will leave this session with resources, research, and inspiration to use online dictionaries in CALL. The workshop will be significant for ESL/ EFL administrators, teachers, and students