The use of bilingual dictionaries in English classes has sometimes been precluded or hindered, as they seem to interfere in a proper “immersion” in the foreign language. Nevertheless, even if bilingual dictionaries are commonly not allowed in tests and exams, many students make a personal use of them when doing their homework at home. This use is sometimes inappropriate, as it is easy to get hold of the wrong end of the stick. That’s the reason why teaching how to use a dictionary is an important aspect, if and when students need to learn how to learn.

Besides that, more and more students prefer using online dictionaries or on Cd-Rom as part of their autonomous “computer-based activities”. For weak students a Cd-Rom dictionary may help them develop learning skills; for brilliant students it may be a good way of deepening their knowledge. Idiomatic phrases, phrasal verbs, pronunciation, lexical categories, grammar notes and much more pop up with a simple click and they are always on hand, even when surfing the Net or writing with a good processor.

This presentation will give some practical teaching tips on how to integrate “traditional” and computer dictionaries in EFL classes.