Using websites in ELT

Although all reviews focus only on the physical version of the dictionary, I’ve read reviews about it and -having used the online version as a student and teacher- was able to actually prove that it is basically the same thing.

The positive aspects about this app are:

• it is easy to use

• it has simple definitions with lots of examples

• it has features such as sound and images to help understand words even more

The downside of this app are:

• sometimes definitions are too simple for what someone might be looking for

• it lacks a collocations section

The advantages of this web are:

• easy to use

• reliable source

• experience in journalism

The downsides are:

• some features aren’t free

• it has lots of advertisement, which is both inconvenient and uncomfortable

• they are constantly asking for donations

Advantages of using this web:

• relatively easy to use

• reliable source for academic purposes

• you can customize topics 

Downsides of using this web:

• most material is outdated

• the app can lead you to material that is private or that has to be paid for

• when looking for a topic, the material that appears is not in order of numbers of citations

Advantages of using blogs:

• variety

• multimedia resources used

• relatable experiences

Downsides:

• not entirely reliable

• may be outdated

Advantages of this web:

• source of a large number of materials

• free access

Downside of this web:

• limited to language and literature

• sometimes it’s hard to find information since even if the topic you need is mentioned once, the app will provide you with texts that aren’t useful whatsoever

Advantages of using this web: 

• lots of reliable content

• plenty of multimedia resources such as videos, images and even games

• engaging real-life topics

Downsides of using this web:

mostly limited to science, world events and history

some topics are sensitive for students

For this website, I had to test it myself in order to write about it since all reviews are for the courses they offer.

Advantages of using this website:

• renowned source

• simple layout and easy to use

• lots of information on different topics

• variety of multimedia resources 

Downside of using this app:

• limited to learning English only

• some multimedia resources, such as videos,can be a bit boring