DICTOFUN: a concept dictionary for children
A. White, Steve Easterbrook · Journal of Computer Assisted Learning · 1993
Abstract Young children frequently experience problems when using conventional dictionaries if they cannot spell or even name the word they are looking for. Hence organising words by the way they are spelt is largely unproductive. This paper describes a referencing method for an on‐line concept dictionary where words are accessed via their meaning rather than by alphabetical entry. Concepts and sub‐concepts are linked together in a hierarchy to ensure that the search process is both intuitive and efficient, and takes full advantage of the associative organisation of human memory. The method has been used in a system, DICTOFUN, developed for children aged 8 ‐ 14. Preliminary interactions with children have been promising. Concept mapping proved intuitive and fun to use for children across this age range. The younger children were able to browse the system and discover new words, while the older children used it to create their own hierarchies.