Franklin Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Can you imagine a product that provides a better grade for your student guarantee or you get your money back? The Franklin electronic version of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary does just that. The guarantee seal is right on the front of the box.

But this is more than just a dictionary with definitions for over 200,000 words; it is also a thesaurus with over 500,000 synonyms. A person’s vocabulary is a recognized measure of education, status and intellect. Words can enchant, influence, entertain, incite and influence emotional levels in others. Therefore to effectively communicate as well as present oneself in the best possible light, proper use of language is vital. While schooling, reading and even media viewing can enhance the learning process, a dictionary and thesaurus provide the means to codify the meanings, nuances and proper use of words.

The usefulness of this product goes much further. It is a talking dictionary; it uses Franklin’s speech technology to demonstrate proper pronunciation. This came in very useful as I am not a native English speaker, and have a bit of trouble with some English pronunciations. The grammar guide is useful to me also as English grammar is somewhat different.

There is also a built-in Rolodex organizer that is quite handy for the business person or student trying to keep track of various people and activities.
And there is yet another wonderful feature; there is a slot to place Franklin Book Cards and downloads, which are small memory cards, like a digital camera would use, that have other books or reference works on them. For example, foreign language dictionaries, medical guides, historical documents, entertainment (games) and even bibles. These are priced individually, but this model dictionary has the capability of playing them. There is also an optional download kit to get more electronic books via the web.

The Franklin electronic Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary is a superior pedagogical device and fun teaching tool. It can be used in the classroom or home as a very convenient traditional resource and by its use of games, a fun learning experience. Every student should have access to this device in the same way he needs a pencil to be prepared for class.

For classroom use, this Franklin dictionary can be used to supplement and enhance a classroom lesson. The electronic device is quite user friendly. The usual question arises, “If I do not know how to spell a word, how do I look it up?” With this device if you incorrectly spell a word the dictionary will give a list of possible words. The student will therefore have to determine what the correct spelling of the desired word is. In working through this task who knows what additional words a student will learn.

For home use, the device also has a game feature. The list of games is extensive and includes: Hangman, Anagrams, Word Train, Word Builder, and Jumble. All of these games are easy to play and will increase a students vocabulary and knowledge of spelling.

I believe the Franklin electronic dictionary is a versatile, essential tool for today's student and business person