Introduction

This blog explains why and how to disable dictionary in Google Docs. Google Docs is mostly used Google Workspace app in schools for assignments and assessments. Google Docs offer many features to help users to work productively. But some features distract students and stop them from learning on their own. Two of such features are dictionary and define tool. This helps students to check for words meaning, preventing them from researching by themselves. and hence school teachers want to disable this feature, to ensure students focus on improving their vocabulary and language skills. This article will cover how to use Safe Doc policy to block dictionary menu in Google Docs.

Why Disable Dictionary in Google Workspace for Education

In academic environments, teachers focus on improving students critical thinking and independent learning. Dictionary tool of Google Docs editors helps students from providing quick access to selected word definitions, which reduces the critical thinking in students. They get dependent on it even in tests and assignments. Disabling the feature can encourage students to develop language skill by doing the research.

Let’s understand it through a user story:

• Problem: Mr. Rivera is an English teacher at a middle school. He assigned students an assignment to complete. Students started with assignment and finished within few minutes. Mr. Rivera got confused with the quick completion of assignment and leant that students were using dictionary tool to write assignment. Where as in assignment was conducted to analyze students language understanding and vocabulary level. But now teacher cannot assess students, since they used the inbuilt dictionary tool from Google Docs.
  
• Solution: Mr. Rivera explained the whole scenario to school’s IT administrator and requested to find the way to disable the Dictionary feature in Google Workspace for Education. Administrator suggested Safe Doc to implement the policy to block dictionary tool in Google Docs.
  
• Result: After disabling the dictionary, Mr. Rivera saw significant improvements in his students’ vocabulary skills. By their own research, students demonstrated a better understanding of words in context and showed more originality in their writing.

What is xFanatical Safe Doc?

xFanatical Safe Doc is a solution for maintaining a focused and secure online learning environment for K-2 schools. It provides many policies to manage and secure students safety and discipline in classroom. xFanatical Safe Doc integrates with Google Workspace and offering policies to disable spell check in Google Docs, disable comments in Google Docs editors and block insert link feature in Google Docs etc.

Disable Dictionary option in Google Workspace with xFanatical Safe Doc

Remove dictionary option Google Docs

In Google Docs, students can use dictionary option by selecting the word and clicking Tools > Dictionary. This will open a side pane and explain the word meaning. Students misuse this feature by relying completely on it for assignment completion.

At this point, xFanatical Safe Doc comes to help. It provides the EnableDictionary policy to disable dictionary in Google Docs. Once the policy is set to false, the dictionary option will not be accessible to students, which encourages students to develop their language skills and promote independent learning.

xFanatical Safe Doc removes the Dictionary feature in Google Docs

Define option is removed by xFanatical Safe Doc in Google Docs

Deactivate Dictionary Option in Google Slides

Similar to Google Docs, Google Slides also includes a dictionary option that allows users to look up definitions directly while working on presentations. While this feature can be helpful but need to disable the feature for students.

xFanatical Safe Doc is helpful to implement the EnableDictionary policy to inactivate the dictionary feature for students in Google Slides. Set the policy to false and the dictionary option will no longer be available for students. This promotes critical thinking and self-reliance.

Tools > Dictionary menu is blocked by xFanatical Safe Doc

xFanatical Safe Doc removes the Define option in Google Slides

Constrain on the Dictionary Option in Google Drawings

Google Drawings also includes a dictionary option but in educational settings, unrestricted access to this feature may cause difficulties in students independent learning and lead to misuse during assignments and projects.

Tools > Dictionary menu is blocked by xFanatical Safe Doc

   Define option is hidden by xFanatical Safe Doc in Google Drawings

How to Block Dictionary Option in GWFE using xFanatical Safe Doc

Step 1: Install xFanatical Safe Doc: 
At the very first, install xFanatical Safe Doc in your Google Workspace environment. xFanatical Safe Doc is a browser extension that helps in enhancing security and online learning.

Step 2: Configure xFanatical Safe Doc settings: 
After you install the Safe Doc, configure its settings to disable dictionary in Google Docs editors.

Step 3: Access Google Admin Console: 
Next, navigate to Google Admin Console. In the Google Admin Console, click on Devices > Chrome > Apps & Extensions > Users & Browsers.

Step 4: Review the Policy: 
Find EnableDictionary policy to apply. The policy will be in a format given below:

"EnableDictionary": {

  "Value": false

}

Step 5: Save the Policy: 
Finally, click the Save button to apply it.

How to configure Safe Doc?

Ensure the deployment of Safe Doc on your students' Chrome browsers and review the xFanatical Safe Doc Configuration document for detailed instructions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, disabling the dictionary feature is an effective way to promote independent learning and reduce distractions during academic activities. By restricting the access to the dictionary, educators can encourage students to rely on their critical thinking rather than seeking instant answers. With xFanatical Safe Doc, schools can easily enforce the policy to create more disciplined and productive educational environment for students.

To learn more about how xFanatical Safe Doc can help to enhance online safety in your educational institution, visit our website  xFanatical Safe Doc. Install Safe Doc now to get 30 days trial.