Peer Review

German Vocabulary Trainer

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Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: As ancillary material to a large online German-English dictionary (a
German-French dictionary is also part of the site), the Vocabulary Trainer
allows individual users to create various kinds of interactive self-correcting
tests, either English-German or vice versa, using the database of dictionary
definitions.
Type of Material:: An online bilingual dictionary database of over 400,000 entries with a testing
component that allows the construction of interactive tests.
Recommended Uses:: Construction of various kinds of self-tests for vocabulary practice.
Technical Requirements:: Web browser and internet access; there is also a version for PDAs.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The goal is to drill vocabulary items as isolated units. Grammar, syntax, etc.
are not tested.
Target Student Population:: The LEO vocabulary trainer can be used by students at any level from earliest
beginner up to highly advanced.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Basic web literacy and the ability to create and use a login to access a free
online account are the only required skills.

Rating:
Strengths:: Although the dictionary content is not edited in the manner of an established
print dictionary, it is generally accurate and comprehensive. It includes
references to idiomatic usages and fixed phrases, and points out differences in
American- and British-English.
Concerns:: For many words, some of which are not included in actual dictionary entries,
there is access to a translators' forum where possible translations and
idiomatic equivalents are discussed; this can be a very helpful resource, yet it
is somewhat hit and miss since it relies on the contributions of the forum's
participants.

Rating:
Strengths:: Users can save specific vocabulary items of relevance or interest to them to a
"trainer" database from which interactive tests are constructed on the fly.
There are four forms of testing: "reveal and confirm"; "enter translation";
"correct the proposed translation"; and "find the right pair."

Rating:
Strengths:: LEO is extremely easy to use both as a straightforward bilingual dictionary and
as a self-testing tool. Best of all, it is free and constantly expanding.

Other Issues and Comments:: LEO is a free resource, and it depends on the user how well it will function and
cater to one's individual needs. Some people may prefer flashcards or
prefab-exercises. For those who would like to develop their own, personalized
vocab retention toool, LEO is an excellent choice.
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