The Video Explorer Visual Dictionary

The new Video Explorer, a visual dictionary of the most common words in the English language, is now available through the GCFLearnFree.org Reading Program! The Video Explorer uses video clips to illustrate the meaning of a word. This is a great tool for visual and audio learners. We currently have over 150 videos and will be adding to the collection throughout 2010.

To access the Video Explorer, click on the Learn to Read link. When the Reading Program launches, you will see 5 icons on the left and 5 icons on the right. The icons on the left represent the different interactive learning tools available.

Click the Video icon. Next, you will need to choose a word category by using the category icons on the right. Each of the 1,000 most popular words has been broken down into a category or common theme. Categories include topics like Action words, Medical, Transportation, and more. Decide which category you would like to explore through video and click on it.

Next, click on the “Play” button and a variety of word videos will appear. Scroll through the video list, like the one shown below, and press the play button to begin.

Each of the word videos are 10-20 seconds long and give the learner a visual definition of the word. Many of the videos define the words with comparisons. For example, the word “natural” is defined by showing items that are natural, such as fruits and vegetables, and compares them to items that are artificial, like a soft drink. These comparisons help to put the words into real-life context. The videos are tailored to an adult audience and use real-life scenarios. The videos are an excellent method for exposing people to a variety of words and how those words would be used conversationally. Additionally, the videos help users to match the image and sound of a word with its written form.

Check out a few of the word videos below and let us know which one is your favorite!

To see all the videos, visit www.gcflearnfree.org/reading/.