Picture Dictionary

Picture Dictionary

The Picture Dictionary feature on Read&Write for Google is a function that allows it users to view a visual representation of a word they have written in a Google Document. The Picture Dictionary feature is the fifth listed tool in the Read&Write toolbar. To use this functions users need to highlight a typed word and then click the Picture Dictionary button. Once clicked, a toolbar will popup that shows an image that describes the words. This helps students connect a visual representation to the word that are reading or have written. This function is available for use on Google Docs, PDFs and ePubs.

Students that could benefit from this tool:

This tool is helpful to all of its users especially those that need visual representations to connect meaning to their writing and reading. The images used in the Picture Dictionary are very similar to those used for PECS. Thus students that are already using a PECS system in digitized or paper format could find this tool helpful and an easier transition. Students with hearing impairments could benefit from this tool because they are able to view an image rather than having a definition read allowed to them. 

Use in the classroom:

In the classroom teacher can use this tool with all students. Having both a visual dictionary as well as a written dictionary gives students the opportunity to choose what tool best fits their learning. Having both dictionary functions available allows independence for its users. Student can use this feature during literacy to check. When reading, if a student  comes to a word they are us sure of they could type it into a Google Doc and use the Picture Dictionary to figure out the what the word is.