Team+2,+ref+log+1b

Merriam-Webster online. (2010). Retrieved February 7, 2010 from [] Merriam-Webster is the source to which we all head when we need a word definition. Having been around since 1828, it’s really no wonder that we all us it. There are other unabridged dictionaries around, but Merriam-Webster is where we all turn. The information here includes how to access the Merriam-Webster website(which I do on a daily basis), the historical information of the dictionary, and how best to use the information. The front page is covered with writing. In a small block in the top middle of the page is a space where one can type a word and ask for a definition, use of a thesaurus, a foreign language dictionary and a medical dictionary. The resource is lots of fun to use, as well. It includes audio so that if needed, one can ensure their know-it-all student (or child) that yes, the pronunciation given is correct. Also included are games for students, word of the day, and a spelling bee hive, where words are listed for local spelling bees. Students of all ages will enjoy this site, as will lovers of the English language. It is one to which I go daily to increase my own vocabulary, and to prove to my know-it-all child that my pronunciation of a word was, in fact, correct. //.//
 * Team 2, Reference log 1b: Dictionaries ||  ||<   ||
 * Reviewed by Sarah ||

Grades: Grades 3 and up. Readability of the site can be difficult.

Subject(s): Any and all. Anyone who needs a dictionary will use this.

Rating: Based on the readability level, I will give this a 6. It really is useful, but can make for a not easy read.
 * ||< //Sabrina's// comment : I agree with the grade ranking you gave this site because there is so much information on the front page that it could be overwhelming to students; however I think once students have used it once or twice, they will get the hang of it. The users are given options for where to search (spanish, etc.) and I think that helps move this source across the curriculum. My one draw back is that I received a lot of pop-up ads while I was browsing this site. If this is normal, it could cause problems for students.

//Lisa's// comment : Sarah, I agree that this website has some great features from an extremely reputable source, but it is not readable. There are too many advertisements on either side and on the tops of the pages. I do, however, like the ability for the user to hear the pronunciation of words, as you stated. I was even able to get pronunciations from here of names of European cities I never knew how to pronounce, for example. ||
 * Reviewed by //Sabrina//

Visual Thesaurus. (2010). Retrieved February 7, 2010, from www.visualthesaurus.com

Let me say from the very beginning that I really like this reference source and am very glad that I have come across it! It does require a subscription but I think it is very reasonable and very worth the money! The subscription for the online edition costs $2.95 per month or $19.95 per year. This price includes access to an online magazine (which is updated daily), online articles, word lists, word of the day, and the ability to make and share lists of favorite words. A desktop edition is available but it comes with a lot less features. The site is described as “an interactive dictionary and thesaurus which creates word maps that blossom with meanings and branch to related words.” It gives the user possibilities to do many different things: find the right word, use words precisely, master word usage, develop a better vocabulary, improve grammar, check spelling, hear words pronounced correctly, browse language in a 3-D format, email word maps to friends, and explore five languages. It is honestly amazing that a website that simply uses a “spider-web graphic organizer” has the ability to help students in so many ways. Basically, a student would enter a word in the search box and the site would create a graphic organizer. The main word would be placed in the middle while other “synonyms” are branched off the word. Users can scroll across different parts of the organizer to see definitions, examples, etc. Also, if a word is clicked on, that word becomes the new main word and a new graphic organizer is created. What a great way for students to improve vocabulary for speaking, writing, and test taking. The students will enjoy it because it is interactive. USA Today is quoted as saying that “A shining example of injecting a staid reference work with a serving of covertly, [the] visual Thesaurus presents dynamically (via Java) a given word is relationship to other words.” Other features of the site include articles (How to Write a Communications Plan, a Writing lesson from Richard Nixon, What’s the Source?, How to Self Edit, etc.), Word of the Day, and featured Word lists (novels, Obama’s Stat of the Union, Science State Vocabulary Words, etc.) The possibilities for this reference source are unlimited! I could continue to give examples of how it can be used in the library and the classroom, especially with ESL and special ed. Students. If you haven’t browsed this site, make it a point to do so and I plan to begin using this site as soon as possible!

Grade Level: 6th and above Subject Areas: all (but especially in literature classes, Writer’s Workshop, SAT Prep, Journalism, etc.) Quality Level: 10  ||   ||<  //Sarah's// comment :Even the youngest students are taught to use graphic organizers. This could be used in my kindergarten classroom for students who can read,as well as being used in a high school classroom to further enhance use of vocabulary. I agree completely, this is a fabulous resource and one that I think schools should consider.

//Lisa's// comment : I reviewed this website for my log as well. I really love the graphic organizers of word mapping, appealing to those students who are more visual learners. I agree with your grade levels for middle school and up, simply because some words have meanings come up that may not be appropriate for young readers, such as "love," for instance. Great resource for older users and a great potential addition for Cobb Virtual Library. || // The online slang dictionary (American and English slang) //. (2010). Retrieved February 3, 2010, from []
 * Reviewed by //Lisa// ||

Directly on the home page of the Online Slang Dictionary in the top-center are newly added terms listed by the day they were put in over the past several days. This is the primary reason I chose an online slang dictionary as opposed to a print version: the updates are constant and current. However, the definitions do leave something to be desired.

Next to the new definition list, there are choices available for popular words, offensive words, slang maps (regional use), and a slang thesaurus. Above the newly added terms are tabs one can choose for the first letter of the desired term(s) one wishes to look up. There is also a word of the day feature (current and past). At the top of the home page, there are tabs for the following functions: home, new words, random, word list, browse by letter, thesaurus, and submit.

Students will like this website, but it is inappropriate for young students. The first word listed in the “F” section, for example, is a common four-letter curse word. I am uncertain what the purpose would be for a slang dictionary in academics other than a word study or thesaurus for creative writing, so teachers may not utilize the site (other than to look up terms they are hearing in the hallways of school). Unfortunately, there are ads scattered throughout the website. Grades: //Middle to high school// Subject(s): Writing, Language Arts Rating: // 6 //
 * ||< //Sarah's// comment : Having to filter websites for content is a constant in school systems. While this sounds like a good resource for older students, I wonder if it would be blocked in some districts. Teachers could use this resource to teach the evolution of the American language. Having an online slang dictionary is certainly a better idea than a print resource as our language changes on a sometimes daily basis.

//Sabrina's// comment : To be honest, I have major concerns about this website. I expresses my concerns in my own log of a slang dictionary, but I think by using this website, it puts it out there to students. I teach high school students and they love to find things that are inappropriate and share them with friends. When I searched this site, I just looked through the recently added words and found inappropriate material. I agree with Sarah that there is a good chance this site will be blocked, but if it isn't, even though it might be useful, I don't think this site should be introduced to students. ||