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Quote Denis DNT  This debate reminds me of the debate on using electronic calculators during Maths classes and exams. That was when i was in secondary school. It was hard for Maths teachers. Hardly did I know as an English teacher someday the same problem will come up. |
I'd go along with that!
One thing I remember clearly though is that we had to learn how to use it correctly otherwise you got yourself into all sorts of problems. OK, basic additions and subtractions were easy enough but other functions needed to be taught. I guess it's the same with electronic dictionaries. To really get the most out of it you need to know how to use it. I don't know how good they are these days, but what I prefer about paper ones is that you have the word, the phonetic spelling, the stress, the part of speech and then the definition, often with examples. I like to get my students to get the most out of the dictionary and not simply use it to get the meanings. I usually do a dictionary lesson at the start of each course so that during the year they become autonomous using it and less reliant on me to tell them what stuff means, how to pronounce it etc etc.
As for mp3 players, games etc I simply don't stand for them. They can rant and rave all they like but there's no way I'm having anybody in my class listening to music \ playing SuperMario 8 or whatever it's up to now. You've got to be kidding.