Last updated on 3 December 2024
A customised visual dictionary can transform language or French learning. Our friends at La Digitale offer two free apps, Mobilex and Logilex, to design multimedia dictionaries rich in images, sounds and texts.
Imagine a personalised dictionary where every word is accompanied by images and sounds, accessible in just a few clicks, both online and offline, and small quizzes to help memorise.
As always with the great tools of La Digitale, both applications are free. They are easy to use and understand.
Table of Contents
Two visual dictionary formats tailored to your needs
In La Digitale’s digital toolkit, you will discover two applications to easily design a visual dictionary.
Logilex is a desktop version of the multimedia dictionary, offering compatibility with Windows, macOS and Linux. Mobilex is the mobile application of the La Digitale dictionary, available on Android and iOS.
Remember: Both versions of the visual dictionary are free and usable without internet.
Logilex: A personal multimedia dictionary for the computer
Logilex is a versatile software that allows you to design your own multimedia and interactive dictionary a bit like Leximage already presented here. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, which means that it is accessible to a wide range of users. In addition, it can be used offline, which is particularly convenient if you do not have access to the internet.
After creating categories on the homepage, an entry is added in two simple steps: select an existing image on the computer and add the text correspondence, an audio recording and the translation/definition of the represented object.
Mobilex: The mobile version for Android and iOS
Mobilex is the version for phones and tablets of Logilex. The app can be used offline and is compatible with Android 5.1+ and iOS/iPadOS 12+. Adding an entry to the dictionary is done in two steps: take a photo with the camera or select an existing image in the gallery, then add the text match, an audio recording and the translation/definition of the represented object.
Automatic creation of exercises to memorise words
Both tools automatically create three types of exercises. These exercises help memorize and revise dictionary words. The types of exercises are: identifying the image, identifying the audio and writing the word corresponding to the image or audio.
The exercises appear automatically after five entries. Categories can be exported as a zip archive or as PDF, making it easy to share and create collaborative dictionaries.
How to use these custom dictionaries in class
There is no shortage of concrete examples and ideas for classroom use. Share in the comments your experience if you are already using them. Here are some ideas among others:
- Foreign language learning : You can create thematic vocabulary categories (e.g. food, animals, adjectives) and ask students to add entries and multimedia definition with images and audio recordings. This makes learning more interactive.
- Revisions and evaluations : Exercises generated automatically by Logilex and Mobilex can be used for revisions or for formative evaluations in the classroom.
- Collaborative projects : You can also encourage students to collaborate to create shared vocabulary dictionaries, exporting and importing zip archives. This promotes teamwork and collaboration.
Digital: a publisher of digital tools for education
La Digitale is a publisher of digital tools for education. Its aim is to make digital education more inclusive and accessible. She also wants to make him more virtuous. This is a free and solidarity-based project created by Emmanuel Zimmert that can never be thanked enough. Digital, of which I have already said on several occasions all the good I thought of it, offers tools that combine pedagogical relevance, ease of use, freedom, transparency and ecological responsibility.
La Digitale’s free tools for education
The tools of La Digitale are published under free licenses, which allows institutions to modify, adapt and deploy them freely.
In addition, La Digitale undertakes not to use the personal data of its services. Its tools are hosted in Switzerland. They are in data centers that use 100% renewable energy. Crowdfunding allows to maintain these free tools and without clamping and to thank its author.
Questions You May Ask Yourself About Digital Tools to Create a Visual Dictionary
Are Logilex and Mobilex free?
- Yes, La Digitale's tools are made available free of charge and financed in a participatory manner. You can support the project on Open Collective or Liberapay.
Can I use these tools without an internet connection?
- Yes, Logilex and Mobilex can be used offline, which is practical for classrooms without access to the Internet.
How can I export and share my dictionaries?
- Dictionary categories can be exported as a zip archive or as PDF, facilitating sharing and collaboration.
Whether for reviews, evaluations or group projects, Logilex and Mobilex are good allies for elementary, middle or high school teachers. Feel free to try them out and explore their many features to enrich your teaching practices.
English